On November 11, 2023, a car accident in downtown Houston, Texas resulted in six fatalities, including former NFL player D.J. Hayden and two of his ex-teammates from the University of Houston.
The accident took place at approximately 2 a.m. A black Chrysler 300, heading south on Fannin Street and believed to have been speeding, failed to stop at a red light and struck the football players’ black Acura SUV.
The collision’s intensity led to instant deaths and serious injuries among the passengers and a person on the street, comprising five men and one woman.
The victims included Hayden, aged 33, who had played cornerback for the Oakland Raiders, and his former teammates at the University of Houston, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu. Lauren Robinson-Holliday, 32, a graduate of Hightower High School and East Texas Baptist University, was also among those who perished.
The individual driving the Chrysler was also killed in the incident.
A homeless man in the vicinity was fatally injured due to the crash’s impact. Four people died at the scene, and four were hospitalized. Of those, two succumbed to their injuries after being hospitalized. Jeffery Lewis, another University of Houston football alumnus, as well as another woman, suffered critical injuries and are under medical care.
The Houston Police Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the accident. Early reports indicate that the Chrysler was traveling well above the speed limit when it entered the intersection against the red light, resulting in the deadly crash. The area, known for its active nightlife, was particularly populated at the time.
D.J. Hayden, renowned for his football skills, was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the 2013 NFL Draft. His passing, along with his former teammates, has deeply impacted the sports community and fans.
The Houston Police Department continues its investigation and encourages anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
