It was a horrific Saturday for the Houston Cougars football program as they said goodbye to three former players over the weekend.
In a car wreck that took the life of 2013 first-round pick D.J. Hayden, two other ex-Cougars also lost their lives in Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu. All of them were in their early 30s.
Our entire community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead.
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— Houston Football (@UHCougarFB) November 11, 2023
Per a statement from the university:
The entire University of Houston community is heartbroken over the tragic passing of former Football student-athletes D.J. Hayden, Zachary McMillian and Ralph Oragwu earlier today, and our thoughts and prayers remain with Jeffery Lewis in his recovery ahead. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, as we collectively mourn the loss of three individuals who made an indelible impact on each life they touched. While their combined talents provided Houston Football some of its most unforgettable moments, their unique legacies will best be remembered for the way they loved their teammates, supported their communities and defied the odds.
We certainly send our best to all three of the mourning families, as well as the others involved in the accident.