Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson killed by suspected drunken driver

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver early Sunday morning, Indiana State Police told the Indianapolis Star. Jackson was 26.

The Colts confirmed the news Sunday afternoon:

“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing,” the Colts said in a statement. “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.”

Team personnel and players will visit Atlanta to pay their respects to Jackson on Monday, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.

Investigators believe Jackson and 54-year-old ride-share driver Jeffrey Monroe pulled to the side of Interstate 70 due to Jackson becoming ill. Both Jackson and Monroe were outside the vehicle when a pickup truck swerved into the emergency shoulder striking and killing both men.

It is believed to be a case of drunk driving, according to Sgt. John Perrine. Via the Indianapolis Star:

The driver of the pickup truck, identified as 37-year-old Alex Cabrera Gonsales of Indianapolis, tried to flee the scene on foot.

He was apprehended shortly after on the ramp to Holt Road by Mays, police said.

”It is believed Gonsales was intoxicated and was driving without a license,” Perrine said in a statement. ”He was transported to the Marion County Jail, the result of the test for intoxication is pending.”

On February 12, the Colts announced that the Irsay family would be establishing the Edwin Jackson Memorial Scholarship. According to the Colts, the scholarship “will be a separate fund within the Indianapolis Colts Foundation, will honor Jackson’s life and legacy and will be awarded annually to a qualified student applicant. “

Jackson entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2015 with the Arizona Cardinals and was scooped up by the Colts, where he remained on the practice squad his entire rookie season. He played in all 16 games for Indianapolis in 2016 — starting eight — but spent 2017 on injured reserve.