Former NFL running back Alex Collins, who spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks, died in a motorcycle crash in Lauderdale Lakes on Sunday night. He was 28 years old.
Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit are investigating the fatal crash that occurred near the near the 3300 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard.
The preliminary investigation revealed Collins was traveling eastbound on a 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle on West Oakland Park Boulevard approaching Northwest 33rd Avenue. At the same time, a woman was traveling westbound in a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV on West Oakland Park Boulevard.
According to investigators, at some point, the Chevrolet driver proceeded to turn left to travel south onto Northwest 33rd Avenue. As the car crossed the eastbound lanes, the motorcycle struck the rear passenger side of the SUV.
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The impact caused the motorcyclist to enter the rear passenger side window of the Chevrolet and come to a final rest inside the car, officials said. The collision also caused the Chevrolet to rotate clockwise before finally resting.
BSO deputies responded, and Collins was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning," Collins' family said in a statement via the Seahawks on Monday night. "Alex was cherished by his family and friends as well as supporters from all around the world. All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality.
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"We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available."
"The Seahawks family along with the 12s are so saddened to hear of Alex's passing," Seahawks executive VP/general manager John Schneider said in a release. "Alex's infectious smile and classic river dance skills will forever be missed. Alex would light up a room and was beloved by our entire building. He enjoyed life and attacked it on the football field. He was one of the most productive runners in SEC history. Our sincere condolences to his immediate family, the Gatewood family, and his agent Kelli Masters. You will be forever be missed, Alex. On behalf of Jody Allen, Pete Carroll, Chuck Arnold, Chad Morton and the entire Seahawks community, rest in peace brother."
A Fort Lauderdale native, Collins was a football star at South Plantation High School before he attended the University of Arkansas. He was selected by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. After being released by Seattle ahead of his second season, Collins signed with the Ravens and enjoyed a career year, posting 973 yards and six touchdowns on the ground.
He spent one more year in Baltimore before returning to Seattle for a two-year stint in 2020, last appearing in an NFL game in the 2021 season. For his five-year career, Collins logged 1,997 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over 50 games.
"Alex was a joy to be around and someone whose light shined brightly," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a release. "I'll always remember him for being a great teammate who had an uplifting spirit that impacted everyone he encountered. He was also a smart player who ran with unlimited determination, and he contributed to a lot of our success during his time in Baltimore. We send our heartfelt condolences and support to Alex's family. May he now rest in God's eternal peace."
Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and Rashaad Penny, all of whom were teammates with Collins in Seattle, mourned his death in social media posts.
