Iowa History Daily: January 19 - Chris Street

Iowa History Daily: On January 19, 1993, University of Iowa basketball player Chris Street died in a crash with a snow plow following a team dinner in Iowa City. In the aftermath, Coach Tom Davis said: “Chris represented all that is good about the Midwest and the state of Iowa. He was open, caring, honest, loving and lived life to the fullest every day."

Born in Humeston before moving to Indianola, Street starred for the Indianola High School in multiple sports during his prep career. On the hardcourt, Street shined while amassing 1,478 points, 823 rebounds, and 182. Street committed to Dr. Tom Davis and the Iowa Hawkeyes as a junior.

During his playing days in Iowa City, Street quickly became a fan favorite in Carver Hawkeye Arena. During his final game against Duke, Street notched his 33rd and 34th consecutive made free-throws, a University of Iowa record. He also put in 14 points and eight rebounds in the game.

On the fateful January night in 1993, Street and his girlfriend joined the team at the Highlander Inn near Iowa City. After the dinner, as Street pulled into the snowy evening his car struck a snowplow. The Hawkeye fan favorite died in the accident while his girlfriend was injured. The team, and the state of Iowa went into mourning and the next game against Northwestern was postponed. On February 6, 1993, the University of Iowa retired Street’s number, 40, to ensure he would be a part of Hawkeye hoops for all-time. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar