Franklin High School football player among those killed in traffic accident on I-10 in Arizona

Franklin High School football player Emmanuel Lopez was one of three people killed Saturday night in a collision between a tractor-trailer and another car on Interstate 10 in Arizona near the New Mexico border.

The names of the accident victims have not yet been officially released by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. But Franklin football coach Daren Walker confirmed on Sunday that Lopez was among the victims.

“Emmanuel worked hard to get on the team and be a starting player with us,” Walker said. “He was someone who always had a smile on his face. He was an important part of our team, he was a friend to all of us. Our children are hurting. Our prayers are with Emmanuel's family and friends.”

Lopez apparently traveled to Arizona to attend the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Walker said.

Lopez has been part of the Franklin football program all four years and had eight tackles in three games for the Cougars this season. He had 41 tackles last season.