Clemson lineman fined in coach’s death
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) – Clemson offensive lineman Roman Fry won’t face serious charges in the accidental death of assistant track coach Jarrett Foster. Fry pleaded guilty to reckless operation of a jet ski that struck Foster in the head earlier this summer. Fry was fined $257.50 by the state Department of Natural Resources, his attorney Beattie Ashmore said Wednesday.
Fry hit Foster after the coach fell off a jet ski driven by offensive lineman Nathan Bennett on Lake Keowee on July 8. Bennett pleaded guilty to negligent operation of a watercraft in magistrate court and was fined the same amount, Ashmore said.
The deal was reached after negotiations between the DNR and Oconee County prosecutor Chrissy Adams, Fry’s lawyer said. He also said Foster’s family had signed off on the decision.
DNR Lt. Rob McCullough said alcohol was not a factor and the DNR’s investigation showed that “neither operator was under the influence.”
Foster’s death was ruled accidental by the Oconee County coroner’s office in July.
Fry said following Clemson’s football practice Wednesday that Foster and the events of that summer outing would never leave his mind.
“Jarrett was a hard working, great coach. He would want us to go on and go as hard as we can,” said Fry, a senior. “We’re playing for him.”
Both jet skis were registered to owners who had ties to Clemson athletic boosters. Athletic director Terry Don Phillips said Wednesday he did not expect the situation to result in any serious NCAA violations.
Phillips said the department’s compliance office sent the report to the Atlantic Coast Conference, which forwarded it to the NCAA. Both lineman have played this season for Clemson (1-1).
Foster spent seven years as field events assistant coach for the Tigers.
During that time, Clemson had five top-20 team finishes and won six team ACC championships.
Fry said that Bennett, his best friend; and Foster’s family were supportive through the ordeal. “All of us there knew it was an accident,” he said.