Former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden and five others have passed away as a result of a car accident.
At around 2am yesterday (Saturday November 11), police received a call about a ‘major crash’ around Fannin and Pierce Street in Houston, Texas.
Two vehicles are reported as having been involved in the collision and six people have passed away, according to authorities.
In a media briefing, Houston Police’s Assistant Chief Megan Howard said one of the vehicles – a black Acura SUV – was going southbound on Fannin St. and the other – a black Chrysler 300 – was eastbound on Pierce St.
Police say the Chrysler was travelling at ‘a high rate of speed’, and ran a red light and struck the SUV.
Asst. Chief Howard said four people were pronounced dead at the scene and an additional four people were taken to hospital.
She states: “Two, since being transported to the hospital, have been pronounced deceased.
“We have a female who’s in serious condition, she has life-threatening injuries and there’s also a male at the hospital who investigators are interviewing right now.”
The driver of the Chrysler was pronounced dead at the scene and one of the other people pronounced dead is a pedestrian ‘believed to be a homeless male’.
“We’re not sure who was the driver for the SUV,” she adds. “That will be determined through the investigation.”
Asst. Chief Howard resolves: “We have a total of five males deceased, one female deceased.
“We’re looking to get more information from what appears to be one of the survivors of the SUV. And the other female who was transported and again, is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.”
Three of the men killed in the crash have since been confirmed to be former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden, alongside fellow University of Houston football players Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu.
Las Vegas Raiders took to X yesterday (11 November) to address the tragic news of 33-year-old Hayden’s passing.
The post reads: “The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of the former cornerback DJ Hayden.
“The Raiders’ first-round draft pick out of the University of Houston in 2013, DJ overcame a heart injury sustained in a college practice to play nine year in the NFL, including his first four with the Silver and Black.
“DJ’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him.
“The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with DJ’s loved ones at this time.”
The University of Houston Athletics released a statement addressing the passing of the three college footballers and showing support for Jeffery Lewis – another player involved in the crash.
It reads, as per Fox News: “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.
“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.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
