Ravens CB Tray Walker Dies Following Dirt Bike Accident In Miami
MIAMI (WJZ)—After fighting for his life, Ravens player Tray Walker dies following injuries sustained in a dirt bike crash in South Florida.
Evidence markers, a slew of police cars and a dirt bike crushed. The aftermath of a wild accident that has claimed the life of the Ravens cornerback.
"I know there was a lot of bodily damage, it's just unfortunate that this happened," said Walker's agent, Ronald Butler.
Just before 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Walker was riding his dirt bike in South Florida heading westbound on Northwest 75th Street when he slammed into a Ford Escape at an intersection.
Miami-Dade detectives say Walker's bike didn't have headlights and he was also wearing dark clothing, which may have been a factor.
"He wasn't responding to nothing they tried to do," said a family friend. "they tried everything, he just wasn't responding."
"Being on dirt bikes, being on motorcycles, you really try to keep those guys off of that so these types of situations don't happen," said Butler.
As word spread quickly about Walker's death many took to social media to remember their friend gone too soon.
Walker was born in Miami in 1992. He went to high school at Northwestern in Miami and later attended Texas Southern where he was selected in 2015 by the Ravens in the fourth round.
Walker appeared in eight games last season, recording two tackles for the Ravens
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti was at a loss for words following Walker's death.
"We have two sons not too much older than Tray, and we can't imagine how much his family is suffering. This is so sad," said Bisciotti. "The right words are hard to find at a time like this. As much as we can comfort Tray's mom and the rest of his family, we will."
RELATED: Read more statements from the Ravens Organization.
Head coach John Harbaugh says he will never forget Tray's smile.
"Tray was a young man with a good and kind heart," said Harbaugh. "He was humble and loved everything about being part of the Ravens' team. He loved his teammates, the practice and the preparation, and that showed every day. He was coachable, did his most to improve and worked to become the best. I'll never forget that smile. He always seemed to be next to me during the national anthem; then we would give each other a big hug. May he rest in the Peace of Christ Jesus forever."
Walker's agent says he was in Miami training and was preparing to return to Baltimore next week.
The driver of the SUV was uninjured in the incident. Police say she remained on the scene and said she had a stop sign at the intersection.
Detectives are unsure if she never stopped, or just never saw Walker.
The investigation into the crash will contiue.
LETTER TO THE TEAM
Prior to the death of Tray Walker, Coach John Harbaugh sent this letter to his team on Friday morning.
An Open Letter to Our Team
Men,
Right now, this moment is an incredibly difficult time for our Team and our Family. One of our Brothers, Tray Walker, is fighting for his life. I know we are showering him with, and covering he and his family, with Prayer and hope.
That was the kind of phone call you never want get as a coach, as a parent, as a brother, as a friend. This shook me and all of us. Like some of you, I haven't been able to rest since hearing the news late last night.
As I focused about Tray this morning, some thoughts came to mind that I wanted to share. What would I say to my own son, if I had a son, in a situation like this? You guys are that important to me.
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. You are making and will continue to make important choices pretty much every day. That's okay. 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.
Please remember to…
Lead in your home. Take care of Your Family and Yourself every single day. Think about who you are and where you are going, and what you stand for. Look after one another. Only then can you be your most effective on the job and in every area of your life.
Please consider your actions and choices. There are always consequences. Choose who you allow to advise you. Consider the quality of the council you take. Put yourself in positions to succeed. Turn away from unnecessary and risky behavior. Take care of your physical well-being. Live a healthy lifestyle. Pursue those things that make you better. Rest well. Eat well. Laugh with those who you love and love you. Fulfil your obligations effectively.
Be your own best friend. Do not be an enemy onto yourself. Turn away from trouble and harm. Walk away from foolish behavior. Ignore silly and unwise advice – You'll know it when you see it.
Get to know those people in your life who manage to walk free from the weight of self-created obstacles. Get close to those who have gone where you want to go, and have accomplished what you want to accomplish. Grow Spiritually. Think about what and who you want to become.
I am asking you to consider what is at stake in your life. Consider what your thoughts, actions and choices mean to those around you. 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.
Remember, We are Brothers in Arms. And, again, take care of each other.
John
