Report: Gio Lopez hospitalized after car crash days before season opener

North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez reportedly was involved in a car accident days before the season opener agains TCU. According to a crash report obtained by WRAL News’ Brian Murphy, the UNC QB was taken to the hospital as a result.

The report Murphy obtained, provided to him by the city of Chapel Hill, states that Lopez’s vehicle was struck during the morning on Aug. 26 after a driver in another vehicle failed to yield the right of way for the crash. Lopez’s vehicle was pushed into a guard rail and rendered both vehicles “undrivable.” Lopez was not cited.

Lopez was reportedly traveling approximately 30 miles per hour at the time his vehicle was struck. Happening before 8 a.m., per the report, the other vehicle was attempting a left turn while traveling at around 25 mph. Lopez’s vehicle continued to move for 33 feet following the impact. There was reportedly a witness on scene who spoke to police to piece together a timeline of events.

Despite the incident occurring less than a week before the Sept. 1 season opener, Lopez would go on to play against the Horned Frogs. However, he left the game early with an injury. It’s unclear if it was related to the crash or not.

After he was injured during the season opener, Lopez was taken to the locker room for further evaluation. However, ESPN’s Holly Rowe relayed a rather concerning injury report before heading off with the training staff.

“From what I observed he came out of the injury tent really holding his right lower back and right hip as you saw him walk up the tunnel,” Rowe said at the time. “One of our cameramen told me that as he went through the doors, he just collapsed and started screaming. I know he’s in quite a bit of pain right now, but that’s all we know about Gio.”

Lopez has since appeared in four of UNC’s five games so far this season. He’s North Carolina’s leading passer through four weeks, completing over 62% of his passing attempt for 430 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.

The last time fans saw Lopez was during Week 4 when he exited North Carolina’s 34-9 loss against UCF. He appeared to be dealing leg injury and would not return to the game. He’d eventually miss UNC’s 38-10 loss to Clemson after starting the first four games of the year.