Ex-NFL CB Hayden amongst six killed in car crash
Nov 11, 2023, 02:50 PM ET
Former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden was among six people killed in Houston early Saturday early morning after a cars and truck sped through a traffic signal and triggered a collision with another vehicle. Hayden was 33.
Hayden’s previous University of Houston colleagues Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu were likewise killed in the crash, the school confirmed. The driver who ran the red light was likewise pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Houston Chronicle.Police stated 4 people
were pronounced dead at the scene and two more died after being required to a regional healthcare facility. A woman was transferred to the hospital with”dangerous injuries, “cops informed the Chronicle, while another person was alert and talking with investigators.The University of Houston also stated previous player Jeffery Lewis was
hurt however recovering.A two-time All-Conference USA honoree with Houston, Hayden made nationwide headings after a collision in practice in 2012 triggered a tear in his heart. He was discharged from the healthcare facility a week later on and was picked by the then-Oakland Raiders with the 12th total pick of the 2013 NFL draft.”D.J.’s guts, perseverance, and devotion to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everybody who understood him,” the Raiders, now based in
Las Vegas, said Saturday in a statement.”The prayers of the entire Raider Country are with D.J.’s loved ones at this time.” Hayden recorded 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles in 92 games(41 starts)with the Raiders(2013-16 ), Detroit Lions(2017), Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-20 )and Washington Commanders(2021). McMillian was an All-American Athletic Conference second-team selection at cornerback while betting the Cougars from 2010 to 2013. Oragwu played on the offending line from 2009 to 2013.”The whole University of Houston community is sad over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu previously today, and our ideas and prayers stay with Jeffery Lewis in his healing ahead,”the school said in a statement.”We extend our deepest condolences to their families, good friends, and loved ones, as we jointly mourn the loss of 3 individuals who made an indelible effect on each life they touched.”The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.