Former University of Kentucky cheerleader Jahmir Scott killed in New Jersey car crash - New York Post

March 30, 2019 at 11:41PM

A former University of Kentucky cheerleader was killed this week in a traffic accident in New Jersey.

Jahmir "Hero" Scott, 22, who lives in Allentown, was driving in the northbound truck lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike in Mansfield just after midnight Tuesday when his vehicle had "some kind of an issue" and became disabled, State Police Sgt. Lawrence Peele told NJ.com.

Then Scott, who was traveling alone, stepped out of his car and attempted to cross three lanes of traffic to reach the right shoulder, Peele told New Jersey 101.5. That's when all three vehicles slammed into him.

Scott was pronounced dead at the scen.

The three motorists were cooperating and remained on scene.

Scott studied music performance at the university, according to his Facebook page — and was on the cheer team roster for the past two years, University of Kentucky Athletics spokesman Guy Ramsey told the Courier-Journal.

The squad mourned Scott's death in a Twitter post.

"It's with great sadness we announce former University of Kentucky cheerleader, Hero Scott, has passed," the tweet said. "We will miss his smile, Broadway singing, and determined attitude. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his friends and family in this sad time. Once a wildcat, always a wildcat."

He's also listed on the 2015-16 cheer roster for Syracuse University — where he was involved in drama productions as well.

"Hero used to write "be open" on the board to remind himself (and all of us) to stay vulnerable and truthful," friend Kaitlin Leddy posted to Facebook, recalling a musical theater performance class with Scott. "I think that's a good thing to remember today and always."

"Thanks for allowing us to see you at your vulnerable and true self Hero Jahmir Darius Scott," she added. "May you rest in peace and love."