LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The Biola University Athletic Department today is joining California Baptist University and the rest of the Golden State Athletic Conference in mourning the tragic loss of CBU Cheerleading Coach Wendy Rice in a traffic accident on Monday night. 

Rice was among three people killed in the accident which also left 12 Cal Baptist student-athletes injured. Rice was driving one of three vans of Lancer athletes to high-altitude training in Mammoth when the accident occurred.

The Biola Athletic Department issued this statement earlier today: "Our thoughts and prayers are with California Baptist University, the Lancer athletic department and the entire Golden State Athletic Conference family during this incredibly difficult time."

 "We are so heavy hearted over this news," Biola Cheer Advisor Tina Jasso said. "I only met Wendy a couple of times but was well aware of the outstanding progress she was making with the cheer program and overall in the realm of Christian cheerleading. She will be greatly missed!"

California Baptist University officials said a memorial service for the CBU community will be scheduled on the Riverside campus.

More information is available from the California Baptist University website at http://www.calbaptist.edu/about/media-center/sub-page/default.aspx?id=14123.