Former TCU star Jeff Gladney dies in early morning car crash

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Jeff Gladney, former TCU standout and Minnesota Vikings' first-round pick, has died. 

Gladney was one of two people killed in a fatal car crash on the service road of Woodall Rodgers Freeway in Dallas.

TCU Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jeremiah Donati, released the following statement on the passing of Gladney:    

"Our TCU Athletics family, and especially our football program, was very devastated to learn of the passing of Jeff Gladney. After earning his degree and continuing his playing career in the NFL, Jeff maintained his close ties to TCU. He loved everything about his alma mater. He was a frequent visitor to campus and was at our spring practices and spring game this year, proudly joined by his young son. He will be missed by our entire community. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Jeff's family, friends and TCU teammates." - TCU Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati

Monday, May 30th around 2:30 AM, Dallas County Deputies responded to a major accident involving an overturned vehicle on the Woodall Rogers Freeway service road going westbound near Allen Street. The Dallas Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identities of the two victims, including 25-year-old Gladney. The other victim killed in the accident was identified as 26-year-old, Andrea Mercedes Palacios. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say preliminary information indicates one vehicle was speeding and clipped the second vehicle from behind. The speeding vehicle lost control and hit the pier beam of the Woodall Rogers Freeway. The second vehicle was also occupied by two people but neither was seriously injured. 

Family and former teammates expressed their condolences on social media following the crash.

Gladney was a first-round pick for the Vikings in the 2020 NFL draft, then signed with the Arizona Cardinals this season.