The former cornerback was one of six people killed in a fatal car crash in Houston over the weekend.
The NFL world continues to mourn the loss of DJ Hayden after ESPN reported that he and six other people lost their lives in a fatal car accident that occurred early Saturday morning.
PHOTO: AP PHOTO/FILE
Four people were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Houston Police Department, a vehicle ran a red light around 2 a.m. and collided with another car. The vehicle then struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk. Four people were pronounced dead at the scene, including the pedestrian and the driver who ran the light.
Four people were rushed to a nearby hospital, where, tragically, two succumbed to their injuries shortly after arriving. One of them is currently on the road to recovery after suffering critical injuries, while another remains in stable condition and continues to cooperate with police.
According to ESPN, the tragic accident claimed the lives of two of Hayden’s former teammates at the University of Houston, Zach McMilian and Ralph Oragwu. Former Houston Cougar Jeffery Lewis also suffered injuries in the incident.
HOUSTON CHRONICLE VIA AP
Remembering DJ Hayden
In a statement issued Saturday to honor the players, the Cougars athletic department wrote:
“The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken by the tragic passing of former football student-athletes DJ Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his future recovery.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones, as we collectively mourn the loss of three people who had an indelible impact on every life they touched,” the statement read. “While their combined talents provided Houston Football with some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will be best remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
AP PHOTO/AARON DOSTER
Following a near-fatal heart injury suffered during a practice collision in 2012, Hayden emerged as the No. 1 draft pick for the Las Vegas Raiders (formerly Oakland Raiders) in 2013. The team honored Hayden in a post Saturday by the afternoon.
“The Raiders family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback DJ Hayden,” the Raiders’ statement read. “DJ, a first-round draft pick of the Raiders out of the University of Houston in 2013, overcame a heart injury suffered in a college practice to play nine years 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 all who knew him. “The prayers of all of Raider Nation are with DJ’s loved ones at this time.”
After playing college football with the Cougars and spending time with the Raiders, the Houston native also had stints with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders before retiring from the NFL after the 2021 season, ESPN reported.
Our hearts go out to the loved ones of every life lost at this time.
Chandler Jones arrested in bizarre video
In another recent story, former NFL star Chandler Jones shocked fans after police video surfaced of him making strange requests while being arrested. This is supposedly not the first time the former Raiders player has been in trouble with the law.
Fans are clearly concerned about Jones’ mental health. After the Raiders cut him following his first arrest in September, things appear to have gone significantly downhill for the former player.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn