Former Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard died in a high-speed car crash early Monday morning in Oakland that also killed another man.
California Highway Patrol said Howard was driving over 100 mph when he lost control of his BMW 750Li, rear-ended a semi, and flew over to the other side of the freeway and hit another car head-on.
“The BMW was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed,” CHP Sgt. Robert Cullinan told KTVU. “It rear-ended a big rig, rolled over several times, bouncing over the center divider and collided head-on with the CRV in the other lane.”
Both Howard and the driver of the CRV died at the scene. Their cars were so mangled, responders were unable to reach the individuals.
Reporter Alan Wang of KGO/ABC 7 in San Francisco shared photos on Twitter of what the cars looked like after the crash. Here is Howard’s BMW:
#CHP says former #Raiders linebacker was airborne when his #BMW struck oncoming driver. Both drivers killed. pic.twitter.com/A8KlzyVSqv
— alan wang (@AlanWangABC7) November 19, 2013
And here is the CRV:
64-yr old Man was driving home from work when ex #Raiders linebacker, Thomas Howard crashed into him. Both killed. pic.twitter.com/Zr1No17ynO
— alan wang (@AlanWangABC7) November 19, 2013
The driver of the CRV was a 64-year-old man driving home from work.
Howard’s BMW also collided with a Chevrolet on the other side of the freeway. The driver of that car complained of pain and was taken to the hospital.
Howard, 30, was a second-round pick of the Raiders in 2006. His best season came in 2007 when he recorded 77 tackles, six interceptions — including two returned for touchdowns — and a sack. He played for the Bengals in 2011 and 2012 and appeared in two games with the Atlanta Falcons this season after recovering from a torn ACL.
Some players sent nice messages about their friend/former teammate:
The greatest tragedy is not death, but life without purpose. Thomas Howard's smile could light up the earth with no moon. #MyfriendRIP
— Akbar Gbajabiamila (@Akbar_Gbaja) November 19, 2013
I didn't lose a friend or ex-teammate today, I truly lost a Brother for life in @ThomasHoward. Rest In Peace T How. pic.twitter.com/8cza7kcDg3
— Kirk Morrison (@kirkmorrison) November 19, 2013
very sad day a good buddy&teammate thomas howard passed away today! Please keep his family in ur prayers what a great guy words can explain!
— Bruce Gradkowski (@bgradkowski5) November 18, 2013
Our thoughts are with Howard’s family and the family of the older man who died in the crash.
