YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State University football team and local community are rallying around a student coach recovering from a car crash.

The 19-year-old defensive assistant, Daniel Minenok, is at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital after the crash that occurred about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday on Pulaski Road in Neshannock Township, Pa.

The Neshannock Police Department said the Honda Civic driven by Minenok of New Castle, Pa., and a Waste Management truck crashed, and Minenok was trapped inside his car. The investigation includes “multiple sources of video evidence,” the department said, noting no determination has been made about the crash or possible charges.

A GoFundMe account, “Daniel Minenok’s Road to Recovery,” was created to help support the Minenok family and more than $27,000 was quickly raised through donations from more than 530 people.

“Throughout Daniel’s high school career, he would put the needs of his fellow classmates and others before his own,” the account site states.

The GoFundMe account can be found by searching “Daniel Minenok’s Road to Recovery” online.

There was an immediate outpouring of support from the university administration, players and coaches.

“On behalf of our entire YSU family, our thoughts and prayers are with him,” YSU President Jim Tressel said. “Knowing the tough guy he is, he’ll make a good recovery. He’s going to have a lot of support and great care.”

Head coach Doug Phillips posted on social media before a practice Wednesday: “Thinking of the Minenok Family as we hit the field today. Wishing you a speedy recovery Daniel — We cannot wait until you are back with us. #DanielStrong.”

“He’s a great young man and has a great work ethic. He’s someone you want in the office every day and always wants to learn and get better,” Phillips said.

Phillips also said Minenok is going to need multiple surgeries.

“It’s a trying time for the family, but they’re hopeful he can make a speedy recovery,” he said.

Defensive end for the Penguins, Antoine Cook, said he didn’t want to talk about it much, but said, “I think we should just let his family recover and pray and help Daniel as much as we can right now.”

#DanielStrong has been shared a number of times with the link to the GoFundMe account on various social media platforms by Neshannock residents and within the YSU community.

A verified YSU account said: “Our family is thinking of YSU student Daniel Minenok and his family. Sending our warmest wishes for this road to recovery.”

nhawthorne@tribtoday.com