FORMER NFL CB DJ HAYDEN AMONG SIX KILLED IN FATAL HOUSTON CRASH
Former NFL cornerback DJ Hayden has passed away after being involved in a fatal car crash that killed six people in downtown Houston early Saturday morning, as first reported by Houston Chronicle’s Joseph Duarte.
According to Assistant Houston Chief of Police, Megan Howard, one car, a black Chrysler 300 sped through a red light at “high velocity” at around 2am local time, causing a collision with another vehicle, a black Acura SUV in which Hayden was riding in. The SUV had a stale green light and had the right of way. The crash sent both vehicles under the Interstate 45 overpass and the Chrysler rolled onto a sidewalk and killed a pedestrian, believed to be a homeless man.
The driver of the Chrysler was pronounced dead at the scene alongside two of the four people who were ejected from the SUV. Houston police said four people were pronounced dead at the scene and two more died after being taken to hospital, including a third ejectee from the SUV.
The University of Houston later confirmed that Hayden and his former teammates from the University, Zach McMillan and Ralph Oragwu were killed in the crash. Another person involved in the crash, most likely riding in the Chrysler, was also pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Houston Assistant Chief, Megan Howard, said one woman was transported to local hospital with “life-threatening injuries” while another person, a male, was alert and talking to investigators.
Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen commented on the tragic passing of the University’s three alumni after Houston’s disappointing 24-14 loss against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday.
“[It’s a] sad day to be a Coog,” said Holgorsen. “The unfortunate accident early this morning, DJ Hayden, Zach McMillan and Ralph Oragwu, [I] recruited him [Oragwu] a long time ago [and I] was very close with the other two. They are our brothers and I look at them, I look at former players and it’s no different than looking at our current players. That’s sad.”
The Cougars held a moment of silence during the game on Saturday in fond memory of Hayden, McMillan and Oragwu.
In a statement released earlier on Saturday, the University of Houston said, “The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes DJ Hayden, Zachary McMillan and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffrey Lewis in his recovery ahead.”
“We extended 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. While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
Hayden was a two-time All-Conference USA Honoree and won Newcomer of the Year in 2011 with Houston while McMillan was an All-AAC second-team selection at cornerback. Oragwu played on the Cougars’ offensive line from 2009 to 2013.
Hayden, who made national headlines in 2012 after a collision in practice caused a tear in his heart, spent four years in Oakland after being drafted at 12th overall by the Raiders in 2013. Las Vegas put out a statement regarding DJ’s passing on Saturday. “The Raiders family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback DJ Hayden,” the statement read.
“The Raiders’ first-round draft pick out of the University of Houston in 2013, DJ overcame a heart injury sustained in a college practice to play nine years in the NFL, including his first four with the Silver and Black. DJ’s courage, perseverance, and dedication to his teammates will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with DJ’s loved ones at this time.”
Hayden was most recently on the Washington Commanders in 2021 and registered a total 328 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 4 forced fumbles in 92 games in the NFL. Alongside the Raiders and Commanders, the 33-year-old also featured for the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars.
-Maher Abucheri
Twitter: @pabloikonyero
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.