Tragedy struck in Houston, Texas on Tuesday when five people were killed in a crash in downtown Houston. Among those killed was former NFL cornerback D.J. Hayden.
The crash occurred around 11:30 p.m. when a car carrying five people crashed into a light pole at the intersection of San Jacinto and Fannin streets. All five occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Houston Police Department identified the deceased as D.J. Hayden, 28, along with four other individuals who have yet to be identified. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but it is believed that speed may have been a factor.
D.J. Hayden was a standout cornerback for the University of Houston and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2013. He played for the Raiders for three seasons before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2016. Hayden was released from the Lions in 2018 and had not played in the NFL since then.
The news of Hayden’s death has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with many players and teams expressing their condolences on social media.
The Houston Police Department is asking anyone with information about the crash to contact them at (713) 884-3131 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left many people mourning the loss of D.J. Hayden and the four other victims of this crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who were killed in this tragic accident.
