LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A star basketball player at Bishop Gorman High School and a four-star recruit for UNLV appeared in court on Thursday. He is suspected of driving under the influence during a deadly crash.
Police say 19-year-old Zaon Collins was driving a Dodge Challenger at approximately 88 mph in a 35 mph zone on Wednesday near Fort Apache and Blue Diamond roads when his car struck another vehicle.
The driver of the other car was transported to Sunrise Hospital and died.
The Clark County coroner has identified that driver as 52-year-old Eric Echevarria from Las Vegas. His cause of death was still to be determined.
Police said at the time of the crash Collins showed signs of being impaired. And based on evidence at the scene they believed that Collins was under the influence of marijuana. A jar containing a "green, leafy substance" was found in Collin's car.
A spokesperson for UNLV Athletics said the following in a statement:
We are aware of the tragic event that occurred yesterday and are in the process of gathering more information. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those impacted.
Last month it was announced that Collins signed a commitment to play basketball for UNLV, making him one of three new recruits that brought the program's 2021 recruiting class to No. 1 in the Mountain West and 14th in the nation.
He's also rated as the 37th-best player in the class by ESPN.
A judge granted Collins' release from jail under electronic monitoring during Thursday's court appearance.
He faces one count of DUI above the legal limit and one count of reckless driving resulting in death or substantial bodily harm.
