Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker died on Friday, March 18, after sustaining serious injuries from a tragic dirt-bike accident in Liberty City, Florida, the night before, his agent, Ron Butler, confirmed to ESPN. He was 23 years old.
Miami-Dade police said in a press release that Walker was riding his dirt bike around 7:50 p.m. ET when he collided with an SUV at an intersection. The football player was swiftly transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami in critical condition after suffering major head injuries. (He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident.)
Officials tell NFL.com that Walker’s dirt bike did not have lights, and the athlete was wearing dark clothing at the time of the crash.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh wrote an open letter to his team early Friday morning as Walker fought for his life, reminding his players to keep their teammate in their prayers and to be conscious of their actions.
“This is what I would be saying to you in the team meeting room if we were together today: There is a lot going on out there and you are going to be involved in tough and difficult situations,” he wrote. “You are making and will continue to make important choices pretty much every day. That’s OK. That’s our reality. It can even be very good to be put in different circumstances. To make it right, you are going to have to grow up fast. Probably faster than many of your friends and family.”
Harbaugh also urged his team to “consider what is at stake” in their lives.
“Consider what your thoughts, actions and choices mean to those around you,” he wrote. “Live your life fully and with purpose. Have fun and share your happiness. Find Your Faith, and allow God to Grow Your Faith. Let’s look out for one another. Be a great brother and friend. Inquire. Listen. Ask. Investigate. Reach out. Be There. Take a Step. Go For It.”
