HOUSTON – A major two-vehicle crash in downtown Houston left six people dead and several others hospitalized, according to the Houston Police Department.
Among the six people killed is a former NFL player, KSAT’s sister station, KPRC, reports.
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The crash happened around 2 a.m., Saturday, in the 2000 block of Fannin Street.
A black Chrysler was heading southbound on Fannin when it crashed with a black Acura SUV traveling east on Pierce Street, KPRC reports.
Six people were killed in the crash — five men and one woman — according to police. Four were pronounced dead at the scene, and the two others died at the hospital, KPRC reports.
One of the six people killed was former NFL player and Raiders first-round draft pick D.J. Hayden, an NFL source told KPRC. Hayden was also a former University of Houston cornerback and played in the NFL for nine seasons, beginning in 2013.
Two of the deceased were also identified by the University of Houston as former football players -- defensive back Zach McMillan and offensive lineman Ralph Oragwu.
UH former defensive back Jeffery Lewis was one of the two hospitalized victims in the crash, according to KPRC.
The University of Houston issued a statement on the incident, shared below:
“The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead. We extend 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 most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
Authorities temporarily closed down the crash scene for further investigation. We’ll bring more updates as they become available.