During Fall Break on Oct. 8, Southeastern sophomore Ben Moreno lost his life in a car accident. The accident occurred early in the morning when Moreno and four other passengers where traveling from The Buzz in Hammond back to the Covington area.

According to The Times-Picayune, the accident took place when Moreno came around a curve too fast. He then tried to correct the Honda Civic’s momentum but lost control and drove into the ditch where the Honda rolled multiple times, hitting numerous trees before landing face down on the eastbound side of U.S. Highway 190, just past the Tangipahoa/St. Tammany Parish line.  

The four passengers in the vehicle survived, but Moreno was killed. Two of the passengers received minor injuries while another suffered major injuries. The four passengers were Brandon Bennett, 20, of Mandeville; Jessica Moreno, 19, of Covington; Amanda Breaux, 18, of Covington; and Robert Trevino, 20, of Covington.

Moreno was a 21-year-old native of Kenner, La., and a resident of Covington. He was a 2007 graduate of Covington high school and was majoring in computer science with a concentration in information technology here at Southeastern.

Many efforts are taking place to help the Moreno family. One includes the sale of car window decals created by a close friend of the Moreno family, Leswin Dheming. Over 200 decals were initially printed for sale.

“They were gone as soon as I made them,” said Dheming. “I had to put in another order because so many people wanted them.”

The window decals come at no cost to anyone, but donations are being accepted. The window decals Dheming created and the help of others have drawn in about $600 dollars that will go directly to aid the Moreno family.

Another effort occurred not long after the tragic accident when Jessica and Justin Moreno, siblings of Ben’s, talked to Chili’s Grill & Bar and helped put together a family “Give Back Night.” It will take place all day today, Oct. 19, and checks paid with a “Give Back Night” flyer or with request from patrons will provide 10 percent of their prices to aid the Moreno family with funeral and other expenses.

“When a tragedy occurs in our community, the employees embrace the opportunity to assist in any way that we can,” said Seth LeBert, a Chili’s employee.

A total of 15 Chili’s locations in Louisiana and Mississippi are participating. Those wishing to contribute but are unsure if a particular restaurant is participating can visit www.chilis.com to obtain the contact number.