T.J. Bowden, the grandson of Bobby Bowden, died recently along with a friend, from a car accident. He was a recent graduate of Florida State University, where his grandfather, Bobby Bowden is known as the former legendary coach.

Bobby Bowden’s grandson was one of two men that were killed when their car flipped over into a ditch off of a central Florida road.

T.J Bowden was 23-years-old, and while him and one of his friends died in the crash, a third passenger in the car was able to be rescued.

In a statement issued from T.J.’s grandfather, Bobby Bowden said “Our whole family had just celebrated Christmas together in Panama City, as well as celebrated T.J.’s graduation from Florida State just three weeks ago. We will cherish those last memories together with T.J. forever.”

T.J. is the son of Jeff Bowden, who has asked everyone to keep their family in their prayers. A trash collector was the one who reported the accident, and found the submerged car at 7:47 a.m. on Thursday. The car was not visible from the road, and at first, the sheriff’s office dive team was not able to find any survivors.

So sad to learn Bobby Bowden's grandson and Jeff's son Taylor and another man died in a car crash. My Deep Condolences to the family.

— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 27, 2013

Bobby Bowden’s grandson was one of 2 men killed when their car flipped into a small ditch off a central Florida road, officials said Thurs.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 27, 2013

Several hours later, the dive team and paramedics heard noises coming from the car, and were able to rescue Lewis Edwards, the only survivor of the crash, and found the other two bodies afterwards.

The crash is still being investigated, and while the cause is unknown, the sheriff’s office is reporting that alcohol may have been a factor. The car crashed through a fence, went down an embankment and came to a rest upside down in the water, from what can be determined from the way the car ended up in the water.

Bobby Bowden was a coach for Florida State for many years, an span of time that stretched from 1976 to 2009. He holds the Division I record for career wins and bowl victories and won two national championships.

Thoughts &prayers are w/my friend Bobby Bowden who tragically lost a grandson in a car accident. Let's keep the Bowden family in our prayers

— Mack Brown (@UT_MackBrown) December 27, 2013

Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Bobby Bowden has lost a grandson to a car accident, and in 2004, Bowden Madden, his 15-year-old grandson, and former son-in-law, were killed when their car was hit by a utility truck.

Image via Wikimedia Commons