The former NFL player and football star from Houston, died in an automobile accident.
The Raiders said on Saturday that D.J. Hayden was one of the six fatalities in an automobile accident that occurred in Houston. Hayden was thirty-three.
The Raiders released a statement expressing their condolences for the loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden. Police in Houston have verified that the fatal collision occurred early on Saturday morning.
He attended the University of Houston, where he played collegiate football, and was born in Houston. According to investigators, Zach McMillian, a former teammate of his, also perished in the collision.
On September 8, 2019, in Jacksonville, Florida, D.J. Hayden, #25 of the Jacksonville Jaguars, entered the field during player introductions before a game versus the Kansas City Chiefs at TIAA Bank Field. (Getty Images/James Gilbert)
Over ten years ago, Hayden gained worldwide recognition in the sports world because he managed to survive a nearly fatal cardiac injury sustained during a full-pads practice at the University of Houston. After that, in 2013, he was taken by the Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Everyone who knew D.J. will always remember his bravery, tenacity, and devotion to his teammates. The Raiders statement added, “D.J.’s loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
According to Assistant Chief Megan Howard, a spokeswoman for the Houston Police Department, they got a call regarding a traffic accident at two in the morning. The deadly collision involved two automobiles. The cars were recognized as an Acura SUV and a Chrysler 300.
Due to the Chrysler 300’s “rapid velocity” past a red light, police found that the driver was at fault. Four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, while four others were evacuated to a nearby hospital. Two of the individuals who were taken to the hospital subsequently passed away, according to the authorities.
D.J. Hayden, a 25-year-old cornerback for the Oakland Raiders, followed the Denver Broncos game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.Humphreys, Chris, USA TODAY Sports
Five males were identified by the police as the deceased, one of whom they stated seemed to be homeless. It was determined that the sixth victim was a woman.
It took some time for additional incident details to become public. There is currently an investigation going on.
D.J. Hayden, #2 of the Houston Cougars, scores on a 101-yard interception versus the UTEP Miners at Robertson Stadium on October 27, 2012, in Houston, Texas. Houston prevailed 45–35.(Getty Images/Bob Levey)
Ralph Oragwu, a former offensive lineman for the Cougars, died in the collision, the school announced. From 2009 to 2013, he performed at the University of Houston.
From 2010 to 2013, McMillan was a top player at Houston, where he was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team.
The University of Houston released a statement saying, “The whole University of Houston community is grieved over the untimely passing of former football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffrey Lewis as he recovers.”
We grieve the deaths of three people who left a lasting impression on every life they touched, and we send our sincere sympathies to their families, friends, and loved ones.
