DJ Hayden, a former NFL cornerback, was among the people killed in a car crash in Houston early Saturday morning, the University of Houston said in a statement.
Five of the victims were men and one was a woman, Houston Police Deputy Chief Megan Howard ministry said at a press conference.
Police did not release the names of the victims at the meeting. The University of Houston Athletics said in a statement that Hayden, Ralph Oragwu and Zach McMillian — three former University of Houston football players — were among the victims of the crash.
“We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends and loved ones as we collectively mourn the loss of three people who had an indelible impact on every life they touched,” the university statement said. “While their combined talents gave Houston football some of its most memorable moments, their unique legacies will be remembered most for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.”
Houston police received emergency calls around 2 a.m. local time alerting them to a serious car accident involving “two vehicles,” including a black Chrysler 300 and a black Acura SUV, Howard said.
One of the cars traveling at a high rate of speed ran a red light and the driver of that vehicle died at the scene, Howard said.
A total of four people died at the scene of the accident. One of those killed was a homeless man, Howard said.
Another four people were transported to local hospitals, Howard said. Upon arrival at the hospital, two other people died, Howard said, and one patient, a woman, had “life-threatening injuries.”
Investigators interview a male patient in the hospital.
Hayden, 33, played for four NFL teams, the Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and the Washington Commanders, CBS Sports reported. He played defensive back with Houston in 2011 and 2012 before moving to the Oakland Raiders.
McMillian, 32, played for the Cougars from 2010 to 2013.