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Tragedy strikes NFL ahead of Super Bowl 52

Blake Schuster | Shutdown Corner

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver.

Jackson, a 26-year-old former walk-on at Georgia Southern had worked his way up to the Colts’ active roster after starting out on the team’s practice squad.

Police believe Jackson was using a ride sharing service around 4:00 a.m. when he became ill and his driver pulled to the side of the road on I-70.

Jackson was killed by a suspected drink driver. Pic: Getty
Jackson was killed by a suspected drink driver. Pic: Getty

That’s when investigators say a Ford pickup truck veered onto the shoulder striking the car and killing both Jackson and his driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe.

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“One of the people struck was thrown into the center lane of I-70,” Indiana State Police noted in its release.

“Shortly after the crash, and before any 911 calls were received, Trooper Ty Mays was driving through the area and noticed a vehicle in front of him make an evasive maneuver to the left. Mays then spotted the wreckage along the right side of the road and activated his emergency lights. As he slowed to stop for the crash he struck the body of the victim in the center lane.”

The driver of the pickup attempted to run from the scene on foot, but was quickly caught by police. The 37-year-old suspect was believed to be intoxicated and driving without a license.

Jackson appeared in nine games for the Colts this season, recording 60 total tackles including two sacks.

“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing,” The Colts said in statement.

“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.”