UNG basketball standout killed in car crash

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — The University of North Georgia basketball team is mourning with the loss of a teammate.

Sophomore standout Ross Morkem died in a car accident on GA-400 in Dawson County last Monday. He was the only one inside his car and no other vehicles were involved.

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On the court, Morkem was known for his energy and passion.

The Lambert High school graduate was a promising forward at the University of North Georgia.

Off the court, he had an infectious smile.

"His dream was to finish college and be a coach," his mother, Maria Morkem, told Channel 2's Chris Jose.

The accident is just too tough for the Mork

ems to talk about right now, they would rather focus on their son's legacy through a scholarship bearing ross' name.

A GoFundMe account has been set up in Morkem's memory. It will go to the Ross Morkem Scholarship Fund. To learn more, click here.

“We're hoping we can put something together so one of the other kids has an opportunity,” Scott Morkem said. “He'll always be in our hearts. We're hoping the scholarship will be something of legacy for him.”

It will be a legacy of a young man who loved his community, his family and the game of basketball.

“We're just gonna keep him in his hearts forever,” Scott Morkem said.

Cox Media Group