Indianapolis Colts linebacker dead at 26
Tragedy has struck the Indianapolis Colts.
Linebacker Edwin Jackson, 26, died Sunday after being struck by a suspected drunk driver, according to the Indianapolis Star.
Jackson was one of two people struck and killed by a black Ford F-150 pickup truck.
Jeffrey Monroe, 54, of Avon was also killed.
The incident took place at approximately 4 a.m. local time along Interstate 70.
Jackson and Monroe were standing near a stopped vehicle when the black Ford drove onto the emergency shoulder and struck both men.
Nicknamed “Pound Cake” by his teammates, Jackson’s death hit hard with the Colts, who released a statement shortly after the death.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of one of our own.
Edwin Jackson always brought a smile to our locker room and the community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
We will miss him greatly: https://t.co/Vuql2FD59R pic.twitter.com/7gVR9PvmuA
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 4, 2018
Colts owner Jim Irsay also offered his condolences via Twitter.
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
The story is just as tragic for Monroe, who appears to have been a good Samaritan trying to help Jackson.
Investigators believe Jackson pulled over his vehicle because he was feeling ill. That’s when Monroe, who was a ride-share driver, pulled up to offer assistance.
Alex Cabrera Gonsales, 37, was identified as the driver who allegedly struck and killed the two men.
Gonsales attempted to flee on foot, and was suspected to be intoxicated.
“It is believed Gonsales was intoxicated and was driving without a license,” Sgt. John Perrine said via statement. “He was transported to the Marion County Jail, the result of the test for intoxication is pending.”
Jackson was an undrafted rookie out of Georgia Southern who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015.
He eventually caught on with Indianapolis and played there for the last two seasons.
Jackson was likely to be a starting linebacker for the Colts, but he got hurt and spent this past season on injured reserve.
In 2016, Jackson appeared in all 16 games, started eight of them, and notched 66 tackles with two sacks.
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