The Bloomington Bison hockey team has confirmed that a team executive has died in a car crash.
According to the McLean County sheriff's office, Scott Mcilrath, 59, of Kokomo, Ind., died Monday in a collision involving two SUVs about 30 miles east of Bloomington in Anchor Township.
Mcilrath, the driver and sole occupant of one of the SUVs, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the McLean County coroner's office. The other vehicle involved was driven by a juvenile male who was treated and released from the hospital.
Mcilrath, who went by Scott Alan, was set to begin as vice president of operations for the Bloomington Bison this fall. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community is reeling from the loss.
In a statement, Bison team owner Jim Hallett said Alan's "enthusiasm, exuberant personality, and unwavering support for our teams will be profoundly missed."
"Scott's sudden departure due to an auto accident on Monday has left us all in a state of shock and sorrow," said Hallett, who also owns the Indy Fuel team. Alan was the Fuel's former emcee.
"Scott was more than a colleague; he was a true friend," Hallett said. "... Although he is no longer with us, his spirit will undoubtedly continue to cheer us on from above."
Plans for funeral or memorial services will be communicated once details are finalized by his family, Hallett said.
The Bison had scheduled a public event at Grossinger Motors Arena on Thursday when the team was expected to introduce its new head coach and announce a National Hockey League affiliation. The event will go forward as planned.
