A recent graduate of Deshler High School is being remembered as an inspirational athlete and friend by those who knew him following his death Wednesday in a car crash in Tuscumbia.

WHNT is reporting that Simeon Michael Malone, 19, of Cherokee, died in the crash at about 11:18 a.m. Wednesday on U.S. 72.

The driver of a tractor-trailer was trying to turn into the eastbound lane of U.S. 72 when the crash occurred. The driver of the truck was not injured.

Malone graduated in last May from Deshler High. He was a multi-sport athlete who was a part of the football, wrestling, and track teams, according to a social media post from the school.

He served as a student ambassador, Boys’ State representative, and Mr. DHS 2023. He was also awarded Best Leadership by his classmates.

Grief counseling services are available to students on campus into next week, school officials said.

A statement from the school’s basketball program stated, “Simeon Malone embodied what a Deshler Tiger is. He poured so much into our school and affected so many in a positive way,” the statement reads. “Please continue to pray for his family, his friends, his coaches, his teachers, and the entire Tuscumbia community.”

Anna Lee Hester, a former tennis player at the school, remembered Malone as a caring person who lived out his faith.

“Simeon was the glue that held the DHS Class of 2023 together. He was friends with every friend group, stereotype, and clique. He was an athlete, a musician, and loved anime. He was a friend to everyone and was the pure definition of what it meant to be a Deshler tiger,” Hester wrote.

“If you knew Sim, you know the bright light he brought into every room he walked in. He could make you belly laugh until you cried, but also turn around and share something serious he was passionate about. My favorite thing about Simeon was the way he shared his faith.”

On Facebook, Emily Dread wrote, “Simeon Malone was the FACE of Deshler. He was the student every teacher wanted. He was the athlete every coach wanted. He was the cheerleader for every single sport. He was humble. He was kind. He was the best. The Tuscumbia community lost a great one.”