Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson and his rideshare driver were killed early Sunday morning on the shoulder of an Indianapolis highway, when a suspected drunk driver veered off the road and hit them both. Indiana State Police believe Jackson asked his driver Jeffrey Monroe to pull over because he was feeling sick, and that both were hit after Monroe got out of the car to assist Jackson. Jackson was 26 years old and Monroe was 54.
According to police, Manuel Orrego-Savala plowed into Monroe and Jackson on Interstate 70 before attempting to flee the scene on foot. He was arrested shortly after and taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Jackson had been with the Colts for three seasons, playing all 16 games of the 2016 season before sitting out all of last year with an injury. The Colts released the following statement on 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.”