The sports world was saddened over the weekend to learn of the tragic death of former NFL standout D. J. Hayden, who was killed in a Houston auto accident in the early hours of Saturday, as ABC News reports.

Reports indicate that Hayden – along with five others – perished in a two-car crash in which one vehicle ran a red light at what was described as “high velocity,”

Crash details emerge

As Fox News explains, Megan Howard, assistant chief of the Houston Police Department, reported that a call came in around 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning about a vehicular crash involving two automobiles – a Chrysler 300 and an Acura SUV.

Authorities ultimately determined that the Chrysler driver was at fault for the collision, having run a red light at a high rate of speed.

Tragically, four individuals involved in the incident were pronounced dead on site, with four others taken to a local hospital, where two later succumbed to their injuries.

Five of those who lost their lives in the crash were males – including former University of Houston offensive lineman Ralph Oragwu – with the sixth victim reportedly a female, and while further details of what led to the deadly event were not immediately released, and investigation is said to be ongoing.

Football standout's career remembered

As ABC News noted, Hayden was a Texas native and star player for the University of Houston Cougars squad.

Achieving first-round draft pick status in 2013, Hayden spent eight seasons in the NFL, with stints on the Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars squads.

In 2021, Hadyen was also part of the Washington Football Team's practice squad.

The late gridiron notable overcame significant adversity back in 2012 when he survived and mounted a full recovery from a near-fatal tear in heart-related vein that resulted from a hard collision with a teammate.

Reactions pour in

Among those expressing shock and sadness over Saturday's event was the Raiders football organization, which is now located in Las Vegas.

“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,” a statement from the team declared.

Tight end Eric Ebron, who played alongside Hayden in Detroit, took to social media to convey his feelings, writing on X, “My heart is broken. My Mental aint right. my brother from another mother. I hate people that drink and drive. I hate people with no common sense. I lost my bestie, my brother, my teammate. smfh.”

Clearly, Hayden's legacy will endure, not just among the legions of fans he delighted with his on-field talents, but also in the hearts of the many teammates with whom he forged lasting bonds.