The Colts said in a statement Sunday that the team is ‘heartbroken’ by Jackson’s death. The statement says the 26-year-old ‘was loved by all in the Colts organization’
The Indianapolis Colts say linebacker Edwin Jackson was one of two men killed when a suspected drunken driver struck them as they stood outside their car along a highway in Indianapolis before trying and failing to flee on foot.
The Colts said in a statement Sunday that the team is ‘heartbroken’ by Jackson’s death. The statement says the 26-year-old ‘was loved by all in the Colts organization.’
State police identified the victims as Jackson, who grew up in Atlanta, and 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, of Avon, Indiana. Police say they were killed when a suspected drunken driver struck them as they stood outside their car along Interstate 70 on Indianapolis’ west side.
Authorities say the driver – identified as 37-year-old Alex Cabrera Gonsales of Indianapolis – struck them before dawn on Sunday and tried to flee on foot but was quickly captured. Toxicology results are pending.
It is believed that Monroe was a ride-share driver who was assisting Jackson, who had become ill, investigators told the Indy Star.
State police identified the victims as Jackson, who grew up in Atlanta, and 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, of Avon, Indiana. Police say they were killed when a suspected drunken driver struck them as they stood outside their car along Interstate 70 on Indianapolis’ west side
Authorities say the driver – identified as 37-year-old Alex Cabrera Gonsales of Indianapolis – struck them before dawn on Sunday and tried to flee on foot but was quickly captured. Toxicology results are pending
‘One of the people struck was thrown into the center lane of I-70,’ Sgt. John Perrine said in a statement. ‘Shortly after the crash, and before any 911 calls were received, Trooper Ty Mays was driving through the area and noticed a vehicle in front of him make an evasive maneuver to the left.’
Mays spotted the crash on the right side of the road before activating his emergency lights, Perrine said.
‘As he slowed to stop for the crash he struck the body of the victim in the center lane,’ Perrine said in a statement.
It is not known which victim was struck by Mays.
Gonsales attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by Mays, according to police.
‘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.’
Colts owner Jim Irsay responded to the news on Twitter.
‘Our hearts and prayers are with Edwin Jackson’s family,’ he wrote. ‘Terrific young man, respected and liked by all. Rest In Peace, Edwin.’
The team’s Twitter account also posted a smiling picture of Jackson.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of one of our own,’ read the Colts Twitter account post. ‘Edwin Jackson always brought a smile to our locker room and the community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We will miss him greatly.’
An inside linebacker, Jackson signed with the Colts in 2015, but didn’t dress for a game until the following season, when he appeared in all 16 games, half of which he started.
That season Jackson was the team’s third-leading tackler, but he suffered a season-ending injury during the 2017 preseason so he spent the year rehabilitating.
Jackson had an inauspicious start, first walking on at at Georgia Southern, where he ultimately led the team in tackles by his senior season. He was also part of Georgia Southern’s infamous upset of Florida in 2013.
Jackson was also a state-championship-finalist wrestler from Atlanta when he was in high school.