The life of a young NFL player was cut short early Sunday morning when a man believed to be an unlicensed drunk driver plowed into him and another passenger. Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson, 26, and 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe were pulled over on the side of Interstate 70 when the driver of a pickup truck struck the car and both men who were standing next to it. Neither man survived.
Indiana State Police soon caught up with the 37-year-old man who tried to flee on foot. According to reports, he appeared to be intoxicated. The man, who is said to be from Indianapolis, was taken to Marion County Jail. His blood-alcohol test results have yet to be released.
Your love for life, passion for the game & heart to serve was contagious. Continue to shine your light from above brother! We love & will miss you @edALWAYZwin. My heart & prayers go out to the Jackson family & to our @Colts family. pic.twitter.com/3n4yXmeEhW
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) February 4, 2018
Apparently Jackson had enlisted the assistance of a ride-sharing service and Monroe had picked up the fare. Jackson fell ill, so Monroe pulled over on the side of the highway. Monroe got out of the car to help Jackson. That’s when the pickup driver barreled into them.
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
The Indianapolis Colts organization issued a statement expressing their shock and grief over Jackson’s senseless and sudden death. They described him as hard-working, competitive, respected, and outgoing. To them, he wasn’t just a talented athlete. The linebacker from Atlanta was an all-around good guy.
“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing,” the statement on the Colts website reads. “Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time.”
Edwin Jackson loved the game of football and we're thankful to have been a part of his journey. #RIP53 pic.twitter.com/jh8ALwX3SL
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 4, 2018
The Georgia Southern alum was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in May 2015 before he was released three months later. He joined the Colts in December 2015. His former teammates and others have taken to Twitter to express heartfelt condolences. Jackson will be sorely missed.
Just learned about the passing of one of my favorite teammates.. Always happy.. always uplifting.. always humble..he was a true shining light on this earth..Such an incredibly sad day for anybody who has ever been lucky enough to be around or befriend Edwin Jackson.. RIP Ed..damn pic.twitter.com/RxKoA8OQ9j
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2018
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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
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So sad to see a man who was so positive and had so much passion to be successful gone so soon. We will miss you my brother. https://t.co/bdL4ZBhYvC
— Trent Cole (@Pro_Hunt58) February 4, 2018
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