Former Oakland Raiders DJ Hayden among 6 dead in Houston car crash

HOUSTON – The Raiders said on Saturday that D.J. Hayden was one of the six fatalities in a car accident in Houston. At 33, Hayden was.

The Raiders released a statement saying, “The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden.” Police in Houston have confirmed that the fatal collision occurred early on Saturday morning.

Houston is his birthplace, and he attended the University of Houston to play collegiate football. According to police, Zach McMillian, a former teammate of his, also perished in the collision.

When Hayden suffered a nearly fatal heart injury during a full-pads practice at the University of Houston over ten years ago, the sports world took notice. Later, in 2013, he was selected by the Raiders with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft.

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“Everyone who knew D.J. will cherish his bravery, tenacity, and devotion to his teammates. The Raiders statement concluded, “D.J.’s loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

According to Assistant Chief Megan Howard, a spokesman for the Houston Police Department, they got a call about a traffic accident at two in the morning. The deadly collision involved two cars. The cars were recognized as an Acura SUV and a Chrysler 300.

Police found that the Chrysler 300’s driver was at fault because the vehicle ran a red light at a “high velocity.” Four people were taken to a nearby hospital after being declared dead at the scene of the collision. Two of the individuals who were taken to the hospital subsequently passed away, according to the authorities.

The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden. pic.twitter.com/cZPn9z181D

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) November 11, 2023

Five males were identified by the police as the deceased, one of whom they said appeared to be homeless. It was determined that the sixth victim was a woman.

It took some time for additional incident details to become public. An inquiry is presently in progress.

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 star player at Houston, where he was named to the All-American Athletic Conference second team.

“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 institution 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.”

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Hayden spent his nine-year NFL career playing for the Raiders, Lions, and Jaguars. In 2021, he was also a member of the Washington practice squad. Four interceptions and 4.5 sacks were his career totals.

Sports writer Chantz Martin works for Fox News Digital.