Edwin Jackson’s friend says the former Colts LB wouldn’t want his death politicized

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was killed by a suspected drunken driver early Sunday morning. He was just 26 years old.

The driver in the incident was Manuel Orrego-Savala, who was in the U.S. illegally, according to CBS News. The news prompted a tweet from President Donald Trump, who used it as an opportunity to talk about the border and illegal immigration.

Jackson’s friend and roommate Chad Bouchez said that Jackson wouldn’t want his death politicized.

“Absolutely not. He would not want that,” Bouchez said via CBS. “I don’t think Edwin would have judged anyone on where they were from or anything else.”

The Indianapolis Colts released a statement Sunday after Jackson’s death:

“We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing. 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.”

Jackson played in just one NFL season, his rookie campaign in 2016. He had two sacks and 42 tackles. He didn’t play in the 2017 season because of an undisclosed injury that put him on IR.