Jarred Alwan, a former Temple University student-athlete and football player, passed away on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, at the age of 29. His death was caused by a car accident that occurred on the 900 block of East Malaga Road in Winslow Township, New Jersey. The driver who hit his vehicle, Lashaya Goldsmith, was distracted by her phone and has been arrested on criminal charges. Jarred Alwan’s death has left a huge void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the Temple Owls community.
A Passionate and Inspiring Life
Jarred Alwan was born in Camden, New Jersey, and graduated from Camden Catholic High School. He had a passion for football and excelled as a linebacker for the Temple Owls from 2013 to 2016. He was a four-year starter and a team captain who helped lead the Owls to two American Athletic Conference championship games and three bowl appearances. He finished his career with 275 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions.
Jarred Alwan was not only a talented athlete, but also a dedicated student who graduated from Temple University with a degree in criminal justice. He had a heart for community and was involved in various service projects and mentorship programs. He lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and worked as a security officer at Virtua Health. He was an exemplary individual whose vibrant presence could be felt by everyone he encountered.
A Devastating Accident
On Wednesday, January 18th, 2023, Jarred Alwan was driving his vehicle on East Malaga Road when he was struck by another vehicle driven by Lashaya Goldsmith. According to police reports, Goldsmith was taking pictures on her phone right before the collision and failed to stop at a stop sign. The impact of the crash was so severe that it caused Jarred Alwan’s death at the scene. Goldsmith was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and using a cell phone while driving.
The accident shocked and saddened everyone who knew Jarred Alwan or followed his football career. His family, friends, teammates, coaches, teachers, and fans expressed their grief and condolences on social media and other platforms. His parents have started a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs; however, his loss has left them devastated and unprepared.
A Call for Action
Jarred Alwan’s death is not only a personal tragedy, but also a reminder of the dangers of distracted driving. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people died in automobile crashes due to distracted driving in 2019 alone—and that number is only expected to grow as more drivers become accustomed to using their phones while behind the wheel.
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, such as texting, calling, browsing, taking photos, or using navigation apps. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds can have fatal consequences, as Jarred Alwan’s case demonstrates. Therefore, it is important that drivers keep their phones out of reach until they have reached their destination safely. Additionally, drivers should also enroll in defensive driving classes that can teach them skills like hazard perception and risk assessment which can help reduce the chances of being involved in an accident due to distraction or recklessness.
Jarred Alwan’s death is a tragic loss for the Temple Owls community and everyone who knew him or admired him. He will be fondly remembered by all as a passionate and inspiring person who made a positive impact on many lives. His legacy will live on through his family, friends, and fans who will honor his memory by raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
