Ex-NFL player D.J. Hayden killed in car crash

Ex-NFL player D.J. Hayden was killed alongside five others in a car crash in Houston on Saturday after a driver jumped a red light. Per ESPN, the cornerback’s former University of Houston teammates Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu also died from the crash. The driver who jumped the red light also died.

Police said two people involved in the accident later succumbed to their injuries in a hospital while four others were pronounced dead at the scene. Police also said that a woman was taken to a hospital with “life-threatening injuries.” Another individual was also said to be alert and spoke with an investigator.

Former University of Houston player Jeffery Lewis reportedly sustained an injury but is recovering. Hayden’s death comes after he made the news that he suffered a tear in his heart following a collision during practice in 2012. The then-Oakland Raiders later selected him in the 2013 NFL draft.

“D.J.’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him,” the Raiders said in a statement on Saturday. “The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with D.J.’s loved ones at this time.”

“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 of Houston also 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.”