HOUSTON, Texas - Houston Baptist University men's assistant basketball coach Steven Key and his family were involved in a car accident Saturday afternoon, May 15, in Louisiana that claimed the life of one of his children.

"The whole HBU family is greatly saddened by the loss" HBU athletic director Steve Moniaci said. "We ask that you remember Steven and his family in your prayers during this difficult time."

Key, 39, just completed his 16th year as assistant basketball coach after serving as a student assistant for three years. Key played an integral part in the Huskies' success of nine straight conference championships during its run of 10 consecutive NAIA national tournament appearances, including the school's No. 1 national ranking in the 2002-03 season.

Key is a graduate of Houston Baptist with degrees in history and human kinetics. He is married to the former Sherry Blakely, a four-year letterwinner for the HBU softball team from 1992-95 and 2006 inductee into HBU's Sports Hall of Honor.