Baltimore Ravens Player Dies In Motorcycle Accident
The Baltimore Ravens community is mourning the loss of one of their own after cornerback, Tray Walker, died on March 18th, 2016 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. The 23-year-old had just finished his rookie season with the Ravens after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Tray Walker's Career and Life
Tray Walker was born on August 5th, 1992 in Miami, Florida. He attended Miami Northwestern High School, where he played football and was considered a three-star recruit. After graduating in 2011, he enrolled at Texas Southern University, where he became a standout cornerback.
In his junior year, he led the Southwestern Athletic Conference with five interceptions and was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year. After his junior year, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round.
During his rookie season, he played in eight games and recorded one tackle. He was also a regular on special teams and was considered a promising young player with a bright future ahead of him.
The Accident
The accident occurred on March 17th, 2016, in Miami, Florida. According to the police report, Tray Walker was riding his dirt bike when he collided with a Ford Escape driven by a 62-year-old woman. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
After being in a coma for several days, Tray Walker passed away on March 18th, 2016. His death was a shock to the NFL community, and many players and coaches expressed their condolences on social media.
The Aftermath
Tray Walker's death was a tragedy for his family, friends, and the Baltimore Ravens community. His teammates and coaches remembered him as a hardworking and dedicated player who was always willing to learn and improve.
The Ravens organization honored Tray Walker by wearing a #25 helmet decal during the 2016 season, and the team also established the Tray Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund to help underprivileged students attend college.
The Importance of Motorcycle Safety
Tray Walker's death is a tragic reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of cars. In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in crashes, and 82,000 were injured.
To reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities, the NHTSA recommends that motorcycle riders wear helmets, avoid riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and take a motorcycle safety course.
Conclusion
Tray Walker's death was a devastating loss for the Baltimore Ravens community and the NFL as a whole. His promising career was cut short, and his family and friends were left to grieve. However, his legacy lives on through the Tray Walker Memorial Scholarship Fund and the memories of those who knew him.
At the same time, his death serves as a reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety. As motorcycle riders, we must take responsibility for our own safety and take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.