Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in an automobile accident Saturday morning, the Houston Police Department said.
Hayden was 33 years old.
According to authorities, they received a call around 2 a.m. concerning a traffic accident, with two vehicles involved, a Chrysler 300 and an Acura SUV. The Chrysler was deemed the at-fault vehicle as it went through a red light at a high rate of speed.
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, and four others were taken to a local hospital, and two died after being transported to the hospital. Police said that five males, including one police said appeared to be homeless and one female were among the fatalities and are investigating to get the exact circumstances of the accident, including who was driving the SUV.
Two of Hayden’s University of Houston teammates, cornerback Zach McMillan, and offensive lineman Ralph Oragwu, were also killed in the crash. Another teammate, cornerback Jeffrey Lewis, is recovering from his injuries.
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‘The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead,’ the university’s athletic department said in a statement. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, as we collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on each life they touched. While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.’
Hayden was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders, despite suffering a life-threatening injury to his heart during his 2012 season at Houston after a teammate kneed him in the chest during a practice.
Hayden played eight seasons in the league, also spending one season each with the Detroit Lions and Washington and three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He ended his NFL career with 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 46 pass breakups.