Bobby Bowden's grandson, former son-in-law die in car wreck

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Bobby Bowden's grandson, former son-in-law die in car wreck

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER

sholder@herald.com

College football's first family is dealing with a painful loss today as a grandson and former son-in-law of Florida State coach Bobby Bowden were killed Sunday in a car wreck in Florida's panhandle, the school announced Monday.

John Allen Madden, 45, and Bowden Madden, 15, were struck broadside by a utility truck on slippery Interstate 10 near Quincy when their car skidded across the median and into the oncoming traffic, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FHP investigators determined the two were killed on impact. The area was feeling the effects of the outer bands of Tropical Storm Frances at the time of the accident.

The news comes just days before the Seminoles are scheduled to play Miami in their season opener, which was postponed because of Frances after originally being slated for tonight.

The elder Madden married Bowden's daughter, Ginger, in 1981. They reportedly were divorced earlier this year. John Madden was FSU's starting center as a senior in 1980 after playing four years for the Seminoles.

A close-knit Southern family, the tragedy is expected to take a considerable toll on the Bowdens, particularly Ginger, who is an assistant state attorney in Oklaloosa County. In addition to her father coaching FSU, her brother, Tommy, is the coach at Clemson, and another brother, Jeff, is FSU's offensive coordinator.

''I spoke with Coach Bowden this morning,'' team chaplain Clint Purvis said. ``It's tough on them. It's such a tragedy . . . Because they're such a strong, tight-knit family, that's what's carrying them right now.''

Said FSU athletic director Dave Hart: ``Words can't express the grieving I know the Bowdens are going through. Bobby has been a pillar of strength and faith to his players and he'll draw on that same strength through this tragedy.''