GREENVILLE, S.C.- A Furman soccer player who also captained the U.S. under-17 national team last year was killed in a car accident early Friday morning.<br>
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Philip Gray Griffin, 18, died after his sport utility vehicle was hit by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 85.<br>
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Lance Cpl. Dan Marsceau of the Highway Patrol said Griffin's vehicle was traveling south when he swerved suddenly to the left and overturned. The truck then struck the overturned vehicle.<br>
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Three of Griffin's college teammates were injured in the accident.<br>
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"This has been a devastating blow to our team," Furman coach Doug Allison said. "I am still in shock. You just can't imagine something like this would happen. It is a life gone too soon."<br>
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Chefik Simo underwent surgery for a fractured pelvis and other injuries and is listed in stable condition. Josh Villalobos and Sean Murray were treated at the hospital for non-life threatening injuries.<br>
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Griffin was captain of the U.S. under-17 national team that competed in last year's World Championships. He started at defender in 12 matches for the Paladins this year and scored a goal and an assist.<br>
