LC Team Member Returns After Crash|ABC 13

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LC Team Member Returns After Crash

posted 11:56 pm Wed February 20, 2008 - Lynchburg, VA

tags: lynchburg college • hornets • basketball • plane

It's a season the Lynchburg College men's basketball team will never forget. Teammates Jason Early and Sean Sutherland survived a plane crash last November, which took the life of the pilot Early's father, Bryan.

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Senior Night at Lynchburg College

Both Jason and Sean were back with their team Wednesday night. This was the first night back for Jason. Even though he wasn't playing on the court, he's still playing the role of leader and a source of inspiration for everyone.

Announcer - "Number 15! Jason Early!"

Just in time for senior night, Jason Early walked back onto the court. A big step for this young man... who spent a month in a coma, and the last two months relearning to walk.

Jason Early, Survived Crash- "It's great to be here for this game and this night."

Another night, Jason and Sean Sutherland will never forget, last November's plane crash.

Early - "It's funny, I've talked to Sean a bunch of times about it--I remember everything from the minute it happened. Gasoline was pouring down and stuff and we realized right away that Dad was gone."

Jason says Sean pulled him out of the plane and over to safety. And hours went by until search crews could find them.

Early - "He took care of me all night long, we were out there for quite awhile. You know, he took good care of me, he kept me wrapped up and kept me warm."

The experience transformed Jason and Sean from teammates to much more.

Early - "Just lying there with Sean, knowing that we were going to fight through it together."

And even though Jason's father Bryan wasn't with him at Senior night. He says his family has grown and calls Sean his brother.

Early - "We were close before this, but this has brought us especially close and I will cherish this forever."

Sean still isn't talking about the accident.

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