Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker has died at the age of 23 after suffering injuries in a dirt bike accident, the NFL franchise has announced.
Walker suffered serious head injuries on Thursday after being involved in a collision with another vehicle while riding a dirt bike, and he was taken to Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment.
However, his agent, Ron Butler, told NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport that Walker has succumbed to his injuries, while it was also reported that the NFL star had spent all night in surgery that ultimately proved unsuccessful.
Miami-Dade Police Police confirmed in a news release that Walker was riding a bike without lights on as well as wearing dark clothes at the time of the accident, which occurred at an intersection.
Walker’s NFL side labelled him a “special young man” and expressed their sadness at the tragedy.
"We are grieving the loss of a special young man," the Ravens official Twitter account posted on Friday night.
Walker, who was drafted in 2015, recorded two tackles in eight games for the Ravens last season. He was drafted in the fourth round of the draft as the number 136 pick overall, becoming the first Texas Southern player to be drafted into the NFL since Joey Jamieson was selected by the Green Bay Packers 16 years ago.
Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh, penned an emotional letter to fans to acknowledge Walker’s tragic passing, and praised his personality off the pitch as well as his commitment on it.
"Tray was a young man with a good and kind heart," said Harbaugh.
"He was humble and loved everything about being part of the Ravens' team. He loved his team-mates, the practice and the preparation, and that showed every day.
"He was coachable, did his most to improve and worked to become the best. I'll never forget that smile."
