Tragic Loss on the Road: Former NFL Player D.J. Hayden Among 6 Killed in Houston Car Crash

"Tragedy Strikes: Former NFL Player D.J. Hayden and Teammates Killed in Houston Car Crash"

In a devastating turn of events, former NFL player D.J. Hayden, the Oakland Raiders' first-round draft pick in 2013, met a tragic end along with two of his former college teammates in a fatal car crash in downtown Houston. The incident, occurring early Saturday, claimed the lives of six people as a speeding driver ran a red light, colliding with another vehicle at a downtown intersection.

D.J. Hayden, along with Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, both former University of Houston teammates, were among the casualties of the crash. Jeffery Lewis, another former UH football player, survived the accident. The collision, involving a black Chrysler sedan and a black Acura SUV, unfolded at around 2 a.m. at the intersection of Fannin St. and Pierce St.

The aftermath saw a tragic toll, with five males and one female losing their lives. Four individuals died at the scene, while four others were transported to the hospital, where two succumbed to their injuries. A female remains in critical condition, and a male survivor is assisting investigators with the details of the incident. The driver of the Chrysler, responsible for running the red light, died at the scene, and one of the deceased was a pedestrian on the sidewalk.

D.J. Hayden, a resilient athlete, previously made headlines in 2012 after surviving a near-fatal heart injury during practice. Despite the setback, he went on to be the 12th overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, joining the Oakland Raiders, now based in Las Vegas. The Raiders expressed condolences, remembering Hayden's courage and dedication to his teammates.

At 33 years old, Hayden's untimely death is mourned not only by the Raiders but also by his alma mater, the University of Houston, which grieves the loss of McMillian and Oragwu alongside their former teammate. The identities of the other crash victims are yet to be disclosed. The sports community and fans alike are left in shock and sorrow over the tragic end of these promising lives.

"Grief and Remembrance: University of Houston Mourns the Loss of Football Alumni"

The University of Houston community is engulfed in sorrow following the tragic passing of former football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu in a devastating car crash. The school's athletics department expressed profound grief and extended thoughts and prayers to Jeffery Lewis, who is on the path to recovery.

In a poignant statement, the athletics department highlighted the indelible impact these athletes left on the University of Houston and its football program. While their combined talents created unforgettable moments on the field, the statement emphasizes that their unique legacies will be best remembered for the love they had for their teammates, the support they provided to their communities, and their ability to defy the odds.

The echoes of their camaraderie and resilience resonate within the university's halls, where the memory of D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu will forever be etched. As the University of Houston collectively mourns, the statement serves as a tribute to the profound and lasting contributions these individuals made, transcending the realm of sports and touching the hearts of those who knew them.

"In a collective embrace of grief, the University of Houston bids farewell to former football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu, who met a tragic end in a car crash. The athletics department's somber statement reflects the profound loss felt by the entire university community. As thoughts and prayers are extended to Jeffery Lewis for a full recovery, the statement encapsulates the enduring legacies of these athletes.

Their time on the football field created indelible memories, but the true essence of D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu lies in the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities, and defied the odds. Beyond the touchdowns and victories, their impact resonates in the hearts of those who knew them. The University of Houston stands united in mourning, honoring the lives of these remarkable individuals whose unique legacies will continue to inspire and uplift, transcending the boundaries of the athletic arena. In the face of tragedy, the spirit of camaraderie prevails, reminding us all that their memories will forever be cherished."