According to authorities on Tuesday, American football player Alex Collins, 28, who played for the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, died in a motorbike accident in South Florida.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Sunday night in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, stating that the former NFL running back was on a motorcycle when it collided with an SUV.
Collins played collegiate football for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2013 to 2015. After spending a season and a half at Baltimore, he played in the NFL for two stints at Seattle. He inked a contract with the Memphis Showboats of the USFL South Division in January of this year.
Collins’ motorcycle struck the back passenger side of the SUV that was involved in the collision on Sunday when it was turning left, according to the police statement. Collins was thrown through one of the SUV’s windows by the crash and came to rest inside.
Collins was declared deceased at the scene, according to the statement.
In addition to a statement from Collins’ family, the Seahawks revealed the news of his passing on Monday night. The Ravens and NFL officials also responded to the news.
The Collins family released a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning.”
“Alex was loved by his friends, family, and supporters from all across the world. Anyone who knows him well would vouch to his tenacity, willpower, and exuberant nature.
We respectfully ask that you keep our family in your prayers and thoughts at this trying time. We are navigating our grief and beg for privacy. As further information becomes available, we will let you know about the funeral plans,” the family stated.
General manager and executive vice president of the Seahawks John Schneider remarked, “The Seahawks family along with the 12s are so saddened to hear of Alex’s passing.”
“We will always miss Alex’s contagious smile and elegant river dancing abilities. The whole building adored Alex, who could brighten any space. On the football field, he attacked life and liked it. Among the most successful runners in SEC history was him.
“We are deeply saddened by Alex Collins’ untimely and tragic death. The Arkansas Razorbacks football account shared a social media post saying, “He was a legendary Razorback and an even better person.”
It was evident that he cherished the Razorbacks and wanted to be a Hog. He will be sorely missed. During this trying time, our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
