Ravens' Tray Walker Dies After Dirt Bike Crash Possibly Witnessed By Patriots Player
BALTIMORE (CBS/AP) — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker, who played one season in the NFL, died Friday of injuries from a dirt bike crash in Miami.
His godmother confirmed the 23-year-old Walker's death, according to the Ravens.
An unconfirmed report the night of the crash indicated that police were hoping to speak with a New England Patriots player who may have witnessed the crash.
Walker was riding a Honda dirt bike with no lights and wearing dark clothing when he collided with a Ford Escape on Thursday night, Miami-Dade Police said. He had been in Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Police also said Walker was not wearing a helmet.
"It has been a sad day," said his sister Shaquita Hardy, according to CBS Miami. "I love you, Tray. I'm gonna always love you. We are our sisters and brothers keepers."
A fourth-round 2015 draft pick, Walker played in eight games last season, mostly on special teams.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh wrote a heart-felt letter to his players Friday before Walker died. Later, in a statement, Harbaugh said, "Tray was a young man with a good and kind heart. He was humble and loved everything about being part of the Ravens' team. He loved his teammates — the practice and the preparation — and that showed every day. ... I'll never forget that smile."
An ABC station in Miami reported Thursday night that police were looking for a member of the Patriots who may have witnessed the crash.
Robin Pinkard, a detective with the Miami-Dade Police Department, told WBZ-TV Friday that the possibility a Patriots player witnessed the crash was not confirmed. When contacted on Saturday, police said told WBZ-TV they do not have any additional information on the incident.
The Patriots took to Twitter Friday night after Walker's death was announced to offer their condolences.
Walker made only one tackle with Baltimore, but he made a lasting impression on those around him.
"Tray was a young man who was full of energy and promise," quarterback Joe Flacco said. "This is very hard to wrap my head around, and I am devastated."
Walker played high school football at Miami Northwestern High School before enjoying a four-year career with Texas Southern. He was second-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference in 2014.
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