Today Marks the 19th Anniversary of Chris Street's death

The death of Chris Street in a car accident one snowy day in January 19 years ago still sticks in the memories of Iowans all across the state. They still remember where they were that day when the news came flashing across their television screens, with news that the beloved Iowa Hawkeye basketball player was dead.

My memories of this event were vague, although poignant. My cousins in Minnesota were cousins of Street by marriage, and they enjoyed the video casette recordings we would send them of Hawkeye games by mail. Although I was shocked and saddened by the news of his death, it was worse to hear of how my cousins were suffering after my mother called and told them the news.

That much worse, too, must it have been for the family members and friends directly in his personal circle, even as the entire state seemed to go into mourning.

To remember Street, I have attached a YouTube video of Iowa's upset victory over Michigan following his death, one of the most emotional victories in the history of the program. His family members were in attendance, and you can see the players rush to them after the game. Street is also honored by the University by having his jersey retired at the end of the video.

Here is also a great link to a Los Angeles Times article about his life, and how his death impacted the state.

A Twitter tag, #CS40, is also going around today, with people sharing Chris Street memories.