Tragedy Strikes: Carolina Thunderbirds Team Mourns Two Players Lost in Horrific disaster.

Tragedy Strikes: Carolina Thunderbirds Team Mourns Two Players Lost in Horrific disaster.

By Staff Reporter
May 13, 2025 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Carolina Thunderbirds, a professional hockey team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), are mourning the devastating loss of two beloved players following a deadly highway accident Sunday evening. The crash, which occurred on a rain-slicked stretch of Interstate 40 just outside of Winston-Salem, claimed the lives of forward Alexei Morozov, 25, and defenseman Jake Bennett, 24—two rising stars of the team’s 2025 roster.

The tragedy has left fans, teammates, and the entire hockey community in shock, as the team navigates not only the emotional aftermath of the loss but also a disrupted season that will never feel the same again.

A Fatal Crash Shatters a Team

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident happened around 9:30 p.m. as Morozov and Bennett were returning from a team charity event in Greensboro. Their vehicle was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on I-40 East. Both players were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, reportedly under the influence, also died on impact.

“The wreckage was catastrophic,” said Trooper Mason Clarke. “This was one of the most tragic scenes we’ve responded to this year.”

Initial reports confirm that weather and poor visibility were contributing factors, but the primary cause appears to be driver impairment.

A Team in Mourning

The Carolina Thunderbirds, based in Winston-Salem and a proud franchise in the FPHL, canceled their upcoming games and issued a heartfelt statement early Monday morning:

“We are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of two of our family members, Alexei Morozov and Jake Bennett. They were not only exceptional players but also outstanding individuals who embodied the spirit of this organization. Our hearts are broken, and our thoughts are with their families, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”

At the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, the team’s home arena, fans began arriving early Monday to lay flowers, jerseys, candles, and heartfelt notes. An impromptu vigil grew throughout the day, turning the arena into a place of shared grief and remembrance.

Gone Too Soon: Remembering Alexei and Jake

Alexei Morozov, originally from Moscow, Russia, joined the Thunderbirds in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite for his creative playmaking and passionate style. Known for his infectious energy both on and off the ice, Morozov tallied 36 goals and 42 assists in his first season with the team, helping lead the Thunderbirds to a division title.

“Alexei was the heartbeat of our offense,” said head coach Garrett Rutledge. “He played every game like it was his last. It’s impossible to imagine our locker room without his voice, his laughter, and his leadership.”

Jake Bennett, a defenseman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was in his second season with the Thunderbirds and had grown into a stalwart on the blue line. Teammates say his calm presence and high hockey IQ made him a key figure in the locker room and on the ice.

“Jake was the kind of teammate who made you better just by being around him,” said team captain Justin MacDonald. “He was a true professional and an even better human being.”

Community Response and National Mourning

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in from across the hockey world. Other FPHL teams, along with NHL players and teams, expressed condolences online under the trending hashtag #ThunderbirdsStrong.

The Carolina Hurricanes, North Carolina’s NHL franchise, issued a statement Monday morning:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of two members of the Carolina Thunderbirds family. The entire hockey community mourns alongside them. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones.”

NHL star Evgeni Malkin, who trained with Morozov during off-seasons in Russia, tweeted:

“Unbelievable loss. Alexei was a good man and great teammate. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Support and Next Steps

The Thunderbirds organization, in partnership with local churches and community mental health groups, has organized grief counseling sessions for players, staff, and fans. Team ownership has also launched the “Thunderbirds Memorial Fund” to assist the families of both players and to create lasting tributes in their honor.

“Right now, our only priority is supporting everyone who loved Alexei and Jake,” said Thunderbirds President Jimmy Milliken. “Hockey takes a back seat when lives are lost. We’ll grieve, we’ll honor, and we’ll heal together.”

Plans are underway for a public memorial service at the arena later this week. Fans will have the opportunity to attend and participate in a candlelight ceremony, with speeches expected from teammates, coaches, and the families of the players.

Investigation and Accountability

The North Carolina Highway Patrol has confirmed that toxicology tests are being conducted on the driver who caused the accident. Early findings suggest the driver was under the influence of alcohol and possibly narcotics.

Governor Roy Cooper issued a statement Monday evening:

“Our hearts are with the Carolina Thunderbirds and the families affected by this horrible accident. This tragedy reminds us of the dangers of impaired driving and the preciousness of every life lost too soon.”

Advocates for stricter DUI penalties have already begun citing the crash as a reason to push for legislative change. Morozov’s and Bennett’s families are reportedly considering launching a foundation focused on road safety awareness.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though the Carolina Thunderbirds’ roster is now heartbreakingly incomplete, their resolve to honor their fallen teammates has never been stronger. The team has announced that no one will wear Morozov’s #91 or Bennett’s #5 for the remainder of the season, and their jerseys will hang above the bench in every game.

“This season has changed forever,” said Coach Rutledge. “But we’ll skate for them. Every time we take the ice, they’ll be with us.”

Fans, too, have promised to keep their memory alive. Season ticket holder Sandra Hill said through tears:

“They were more than players—they were part of our family. We’ll never forget what they brought to this team and this city.”

In Their Honor

As the Carolina Thunderbirds begin the long road to healing, they do so with the strength of a united community, a league that stands behind them, and the enduring memories of two remarkable young men who gave everything to the sport—and to the people who loved them.

Gone but never forgotten, Alexei Morozov and Jake Bennett will forever be remembered as Thunderbirds in flight—brilliant, brave, and taken far too soon.