34-Years-Old Saint Leo’s Baskeball Coach Daniel Waln Dies In Car Crash Involving Six Vehicles

May he rest in peace!

July 18, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 18, 2026

A devastating crash on Interstate 26 in Calhoun County, South Carolina, has claimed the lives of two individuals, including respected college basketball coach Daniel Waln.

The fatal collision occurred around 5 p.m. on Wednesday near mile marker 120 in the eastbound lanes.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Corporal Nick Pye, the accident involved six vehicles.

A 2013 Chevrolet sedan, traveling westbound, veered off the roadway, struck a cable barrier, and entered the eastbound lanes, where it collided head-on with a 2018 GMC SUV.

The impact caused a chain reaction involving four additional vehicles: a 2017 Lexus sedan, a 2026 Kia sedan, a 2026 Subaru SUV, and a 2019 GMC SUV.

The drivers of the 2013 Chevrolet sedan and the 2018 GMC SUV were pronounced dead at the scene.

Calhoun County Coroner Donnie Porth identified the victims as 34-year-old Daniel Waln of St. Leo, Florida, and 61-year-old Sherry Short of Springfield, South Carolina.

Five other people sustained injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash.

Daniel Waln Was A Rising Star In College Basketball Coaching

The passing of Coach Daniel Waln has sent shockwaves through the college basketball community.

Waln, just 34, had recently joined Saint Leo University in Florida as an assistant men’s basketball coach under first-year head coach Spencer Henke.

Thank you Coach Daniel Waln () for speaking to our boys this morning! We loved the message to our guys on-

🗣Impact of legend Marc Payne
🗣Treat Everyone with Respect
🗣Staying Motivated
🗣Recruiting for

— Cox Mill Boy’s Basketball (@CoxMillBBall)

He came to the Lions in November after a brief but impactful stint at Santa Fe Community College.

Waln was widely respected for his knowledge of the game, dedication to player development, and proven recruiting abilities.

His coaching résumé spanned several prestigious NCAA Division II programs, including Catawba College, West Virginia Wesleyan, and Lees-McRae College.

While at Catawba, he played a key role in four NCAA Tournament appearances and three South Atlantic Conference Championships.

His leadership helped produce multiple All-League athletes and two Player of the Year award winners.

Daniel Waln was one of the good ones

RIP 🙏🕊️

— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5)

Before joining the Division II ranks, Waln also served as Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach at Coastal Carolina University.

He was known for his tireless work ethic and ability to build strong team cultures on and off the court.

A 2013 graduate of Appalachian State University with a degree in Physical Education, Waln was honored as a NABC “30 Under 30” recipient, a recognition of the nation’s top young coaches.

Daniel Waln Is Remembered As A Mentor And Leader

Waln’s sudden passing is being deeply felt by the Saint Leo basketball program and the broader coaching community.

With his passion for the game and commitment to uplifting his athletes, he was a mentor and role model.

As tributes pour in, his legacy will live on through the lives he touched, both on and off the court.

Final arrangements for Coach Daniel Waln have not yet been announced.

Rest in peace, Coach!

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