The Indianapolis Colts have confirmed that linebacker Edwin Jackson was killed in a car crash Monday.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was killed in a car crash involving a suspected drunken driver early Monday in Indianapolis, the Indiana State Police Department said.
Jackson was traversing along Interstate 70 in Indianapolis when his presumed ride-sharing operator, Jeffery Monroe, 54, of Avon, pulled to the side of the highway to tend to the ailing Jackson. It was on the emergency shoulder of the highway that the driver of a Ford-F150 hit the rear end of the car, striking both men.
Jackson and Monroe were pronounced dead at the scene.
Alex Cabrera Gonsales, 37, was arrested trying to flee on foot. He was driving without a license and was believed to be intoxicated.
Jackson, a 26-year-old linebacker for the Colts, missed the 2017 season with an injury. He was a walk-on for the Georgia Southern football team before signing as an undrafted free agent by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015. He later signed a reserve/future contract with the Colts and appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2016.
The Colts released a statement Monday afternoon:
“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing. Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time.”
Owner Jim Irsay, teammates Donte Moncrief, T.J. Green and Pat McAfee, and comedian Mike Epps all took to social media to send their condolences.
Our hearts and prayers are with Edwin Jackson’s family. Terrific young man, respected and liked by all. Rest In Peace, Edwin.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) February 4, 2018
Fly high 53!! Look over us brother ..
— Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) February 4, 2018
R.I.P E. Jack…. 1Love
— T.J. Green (@BossGreen256) February 4, 2018
Just learned about the passing of one of my favorite teammates.. Always happy.. always uplifting.. always humble..he was a true shining light on this earth..Such an incredibly sad day for anybody who has ever been lucky enough to be around or befriend Edwin Jackson.. RIP Ed..damn pic.twitter.com/RxKoA8OQ9j
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2018
Thoughts & Prayers up for the family & @Colts Org ?? RIP #EdwinJackson pic.twitter.com/yOmdralwpe
— Mike Epps (@TheRealMikeEpps) February 4, 2018
