FORMER LADY MONARCH ESTHER BENJAMIN DIES IN ACCIDENT

Former Old Dominion University basketball player Esther Benjamin, 25, died Wednesday of injuries sustained in a one-car accident near Vienna, Ga.

Benjamin, who played for the Lady Monarchs from 1993-96, was the rear passenger in a minivan that hit a guardrail after its right rear tire blew. Benjamin, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected out of the back window. She was the only one of the five van passengers killed in the accident.

A native of Valdosta, Ga., Benjamin was a starter for the Lady Monarchs for most of her sophomore and junior seasons. She was a member of the Colonial Athletic Association's all-rookie team in 1993-94 and received CAA all-defensive team honors that same year and in 1994-95.