Watch CBS News

A Local Loss

A very down day for me today. One of my all-time favorite guys to cover at UDM, Ben Green, has passed away. Ben played for Perry Watson from 2002-2006 and was the cousin of a Titan great, Willie Green. Ben had big shoes to fill, yet, he never let that pressure get to him. He was fun-loving, had a great smile, and worked very hard to mature his four seasons at the school.

As the radio man for the Titans, I had a chance to travel with Ben and talk to him in airports and hotels and at the games and he was also cool and respectful. Ben liked to have fun and at times it got him into trouble with Coach Watson, but he worked so hard to get his degree and really became a key player as a senior. We will miss you Ben.

Below is the release sent out by UDM.

DETROIT— The Detroit Titan athletic department mourns the loss of former men's basketball student-athlete Ben Green, 27, and cousin Tamara Green, 30, after a fatal automobile accident on southbound I-75 early Monday morning. They were returning from the Detroit Pistons and New Orleans Hornets game Sunday evening. Tamara is the sister of former Titan standout Willie Green, whose Hornets were making their only appearance in Detroit this season.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of this tragedy," UDM Director of Athletics Keri Gaither said. "Ben was a fan favorite during his career—he will be missed by all of us involved with the Titan program.
The Green families are tightly woven into the fabric of Detroit Titan athletics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during this difficult time."

Ben Green earned his bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies in 2006 and was a four-year letterman from 2002-06, playing in 115 games in his Titan career. As a starter in his senior year, Green posted 6.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest, playing in all 32 games.

Details on funeral arrangements will be announced at a future time.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.