Alleged drunk driver kills NFL player, Edwin Jackson: Police

Indianapolis Colts linebacker, Edwin Jackson, and a 54-year-old ride sharing partner died on Sunday morning in a crash near Indianapolis, after police say a drunk driver smashed into them.

FOX59 reports that Jackson and his ride sharing partner, Jeffrey Monroe, were standing near the  I-70 emergency lane close to their stopped vehicle when they were both hit by a vehicle. The incident happened at little before 4 a.m. close to Holt Road. As an officer pulled up to the scene, he hit one of the injured men lying in the middle of the road.

According to police, 37-year-old Alex Cabrera Gonsales drove his black Ford F-150 into the pair as he swerved into the emergency shoulder, due to drinking and driving. Police also indicated that Gonsales was driving the vehicle without a license.

The Detroit News reports that Monroe was driving the vehicle with Jackson riding passenger, when the NFL player became ill.  Monroe pulled to the side of the road, then got out of the vehicle with Jackson to help him when they both were hit. Gonsales reportedly try to flee the scene on foot, but authorities captured him shortly after.

Jackson was signed by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015, then in Jan. 2016, the Colts picked him up on a reserve contract. He spent most of the past season on the bench due to an injury.

“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,” the Colts said in a public statement.

Gonsales was booked into the Marion County Jail. His blood-alcohol test results are pending.

Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Edwin Jackson/AP]