Former NFL player D.J. Hayden tragically lost his life in a car accident over the weekend.
While in Houston, Hayden was among six individuals who lost their lives when a vehicle ran a red light at approximately 2 a.m., resulting in a collision with another car and subsequently causing it to hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk, as stated by the Houston Police Department.
As per the HPD, the crash claimed the lives of four individuals, including both the pedestrian and the driver responsible for running the red light. By Saturday morning, four additional individuals, including Hayden’s former University of Houston teammates, Zach McMillian and Ralph Oragwu, were transported to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, McMillian and Oragwu later succumbed to their injuries. One person remained in critical condition, while another was in stable condition and cooperating with the police during their interview.
Shortly after the news broke, the Las Vegas Raiders released a statement acknowledging the tragic event.
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
“The Raiders Family is mourning the tragic loss of former cornerback D.J. Hayden,” the statement read. “The Raiders’ first-round draft pick out of the University of Houston in 2013, D.J. 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. D.J.’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 D.J.’s loved ones at this time.”
Following a near-fatal heart injury resulting from a practice collision in 2012, Hayden made a remarkable comeback and became the top draft pick for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2013. The Houston native continued his NFL career playing for the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Washington Commanders, ultimately retiring after the 2021 season.
