Family, friends, teammates, and fans are grieving the loss of six lives in a fatal car crash in downtown Houston. Three of the victims were former University of Houston football players, identified as D.J. Hayden, Zach McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu. Two others were killed, and two remain hospitalized. The Houston community is mourning the tragedy, with a moment of silence held before a UH homecoming game. The school’s athletics department expressed condolences and highlighted the impact the players had on others. Hayden, who survived a heart tear during a UH practice, had returned to coaching to make a positive impact on young athletes. ABC13 Houston reported
Family, friends, teammates, and fans are grieving the loss of six lives in a tragic car crash that occurred in downtown Houston on Saturday morning. Among the victims were three former University of Houston football players: D.J. Hayden, Zach McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu. The players were in an SUV that was struck by a speeding driver who ran a red light. Two others were killed in the crash, and two individuals remain hospitalized. The close-knit group of Hayden, McMillian, and Oragwu, who grew up together in Fort Bend County, were remembered by their communities as they were honored with a moment of silence at the University of Houston’s homecoming game. The school’s athletics department expressed their condolences and acknowledged the impact these players had on those around them. D.J. Hayden, who had a remarkable journey overcoming a heart injury during his time at the University of Houston, went on to be a first-round draft pick in the NFL and recently worked as a volunteer coach at Second Baptist School. The players’ legacies will be remembered for their love for their teammates, support for their communities, and their ability to defy the odds. Former teammates and colleagues spoke highly of their character and leadership, emphasizing the void left by their untimely deaths..
Family members, close friends, teammates, and devoted fans are grieving the loss of six individuals who tragically lost their lives in a fatal car crash that occurred in downtown Houston on Saturday morning. The incident has left the community in deep sorrow and disbelief. Among the victims were three former University of Houston (UH) football players, namely D.J. Hayden, Zach McMillian, and Ralph Oragwu. According to the Houston Police Department, the three ex-players were in an SUV that was struck by a speeding driver who ran a red light around 2 a.m. Unfortunately, two others lost their lives in the accident, while two individuals remain hospitalized.
Hayden, McMillian, and Oragwu had maintained a close bond after graduating from UH and frequently spent time together. Their hometowns in Fort Bend County are also mourning this heartbreaking tragedy. Hayden attended Elkins High School in Missouri City, McMillian graduated from Dulles High School in Sugar Land, and Oragwu was an alumnus of Marshall High School in Missouri City.
Prior to the UH homecoming game against the University of Cincinnati on Saturday evening, a moment of silence was observed to honor the three former players. Their pictures were displayed on the video boards, allowing the attendees to pay their respects. The athletics department of UH released a statement expressing their condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased players. The statement emphasized the profound impact these individuals had on everyone they encountered.
Hayden, who had previously survived a tear in his heart during a UH practice in 2012, went on to be chosen as the 12th overall pick by the Oakland Raiders in the 2013 NFL draft. Although his NFL career concluded in 2021, he remained involved in football as a volunteer defensive backs coach at Second Baptist School. Hayden’s desire to give back and inspire young student-athletes was evident through his coaching role.
While their exceptional talent undoubtedly contributed to the success of Houston football, the legacy of Hayden, McMillian, and Oragwu will be most remembered for their strong camaraderie, support for their communities, and their ability to overcome obstacles. Former teammate Demetrius Woods described Hayden as a funny individual who always brought laughter, while McMillian was seen as a role model due to his leadership qualities. Ralph Oragwu was known as a caring and supportive older brother figure. Ted Pardee, the University of Houston football color analyst, expressed the sentiment that these three players were exemplary role models and leaders within the alumni association.
All three players had dedicated multiple seasons to the UH football program between 2009 and 2013. Additionally, Jeffrey Lewis, who was injured in the crash, had also been a part of the Coogs football program. The loss of these young individuals at such an early stage of their lives has deeply saddened the community and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life..