Simpson College President Jay Byers has been identified as the driver who was hospitalized after crashing on Highway 5 Wednesday morning, as WHO 13 reported.

In the early morning hours, authorities were alerted to a serious incident involving an SUV colliding with the bridge support at the Fleur Drive overpass on Highway 5. The Des Moines Police Department swiftly arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide assistance.

Authorities have revealed that the individual behind the wheel of the SUV involved in the incident is none other than Jay Byers, the President of Simpson College. Byers has been admitted to the hospital for the purpose of receiving medical care for his minor injuries.

Simpson College announced on Thursday that President Byers is in high spirits and is anticipated to be released from the hospital in the near future.

From the School

Terry Handley, the Simpson Board of Trustees Chair, released a statement about President Byers and his recovery on behalf of The Simpson Board of Trustees.

"President Byers was involved in a serious one-car accident in the Des Moines area on Wednesday morning, June 19. As we shared with the campus community, the president is doing ok, but he is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries," the board stated.

"All of us in the Simpson community are thinking about Jay and his wife, Katie, and their family," the statement went on.

"We are grateful for the expert medical care Jay is receiving to ensure effective treatment for his injuries and a good path forward to secure a full recovery.

Additionally, the board went on to reiterate their appreciation for Byers' leadership for the institution, calling him "more than a great leader for Simpson — he is a treasured friend to so many in our community, our region and all of Iowa.

"I trust everyone will join our Simpson community in rallying around Jay and his family as he goes through this difficult ordeal with the positive spirit and determination that has always defined him."

Other University Presidents

The leadership of other prestigious universities have had unfortunate accidents, including the heads of Texas Tech and Georgetown University.

Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec was hospitalized earlier this month due to an undisclosed medical emergency.

The university released a statement on June 10 where Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell announced that the president was taken in for evaluation and treatment but was in good spirits:

“Our entire Texas Tech University System is keeping President Schovanec and his family in our thoughts and prayers," read Mitchell's statement. "I am working closely with University leadership and will continue to provide updates as they become available.”

Additionally, it was announced on June 5 that Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia suffered a stroke, and was administered medical intervention at Washington Hospital Center. The university leader was said to be in stable condition shortly after the event.