Former Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins died on Aug. 13 after being involved in a motorcycle accident, officials have confirmed.
Mr. Collins, 28, was involved in a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a vehicle in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida at approximately 10:20 p.m., according to a news release Monday from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred near the 3300 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard, according to the statement.
A preliminary investigation revealed Mr. Collins was traveling eastbound on a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle on West Oakland Park Boulevard approaching Northwest 33rd Avenue at the same time that an adult female was traveling westbound in a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV on West Oakland Park Boulevard, the sheriff’s office said.
“According to investigators, at some point, the Chevrolet driver proceeded to turn left to travel south onto Northwest 33rd Avenue. As the car crossed the eastbound lanes, the motorcycle struck the rear passenger side of the SUV. The impact caused the motorcyclist to enter the rear passenger side window of the Chevrolet and come to a final rest inside the car. The collision also caused the Chevrolet to rotate clockwise before finally resting,” the sheriff’s office said.
Police and emergency crews responded to the crash and pronounced Mr. Collins dead at the scene, according to officials. An exact cause of death was not provided.
The driver of the SUV, who was not identified, remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation, they added.
‘Larger-Than-Life Personality’
The circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are currently under investigation.Mr. Collins’s family also confirmed his death in a statement Monday in which they praised his determination and “larger-than-life personality.”
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning,” the statement issued through the Seahawks read. “Alex was cherished by his family and friends, as well as supporters from all around the world. All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality.”
“We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief,” the statement concluded.
In a separate statement, Seahawks Executive Vice President and General Manager John Schneider said the former NFL player would be remembered for his “infectious smile and classic river dance skills” which will “forever be missed.”
‘You Will Be Forever Missed’
“You will be forever missed, Alex. On behalf of Jody Allen, Pete Carroll, Chuck Arnold, Chad Morton, and the entire Seahawks community, rest in peace brother,” the statement concluded.Mr. Collins, a Fort Lauderdale native, was drafted by the Seahawks in 2016 as a fifth-round pick after playing in college at Arkansas, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in all three of his consecutive seasons.
He joined the Baltimore Ravens for the 2017 and 2018 seasons—becoming their leading rusher in 2017 with 973 yards rushing and six touchdowns—before eventually returning to Seattle for two years in 2020 and 2021 to end his NFL career.
The athlete became widely known for his signature Irish dance touchdown celebrations, having taken up the dance after being introduced to it by the daughter of his high school football coach in 2011.
During his NFL career, Mr. Collins ran for 1,997 yards and had 18 total touchdowns in the league.
Most recently, he played in the USFL with the Memphis Showboats earlier this spring.
In a separate statement Monday, the Baltimore Ravens said it was mourning the passing of Mr. Collins with heavy hearts.
“Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went,” the Ravens said. “May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.”
