Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson’s 2017 season, unfortunately, ended before it really got going. Tragically, the same can now be said about his life.
It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of one of our own.
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: https://t.co/Vuql2FD59R pic.twitter.com/7gVR9PvmuA
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) February 4, 2018
Though details of the incident are still under investigation, initial reports suggest that around 4 a.m. Sunday morning Edwin Jackson (26) was in a ride-sharing vehicle and became sick. The driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, then pulled off onto the right shoulder of the road to allow Jackson to get out. Monroe also got out to try and help Jackson. While pulled over, a suspected drunk driver who was also driving without a valid license hit both Jackson and Monroe while rear-ending the pulled-over vehicle.
The driver who hit the men, later identified as 37-year-old Alex Cabrera Gonsales. After the crash on 1-70 in the Shelton Heights area outside Indianapolis, Gonsales allegedly abandoned his Ford F-150 truck on foot. He was later apprehended and taken to Marion County Jail and given a sobriety tests. (The results are not yet known.)
Our hearts and prayers are with Edwin Jackson’s family. Terrific young man, respected and liked by all. Rest In Peace, Edwin.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) February 4, 2018
Jackson attended Georgia Southern University and initially signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2015. However, after being cut by the Cardinals, Jackson ended the 2015 season on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad.
In 2016, Jackson made his presence known. He played in all 16 of the Colts’ regular season games and started eight. He was credited with 42 tackles, 19 assists, and two sacks.
Prior to the start of the 2017 regular season, Edwin Jackson was placed on injured reserve as the Colts cut the roster down to 53.
