NFL: Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson killed after being hit by suspected drunk driver

Edwin Jackson. Photo / Getty Images

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was killed after being hit by a suspected drunken driver early Sunday, Indiana State Police confirmed to NFL.com. He was 26.

Jackson was one of two people killed in the incident, which occurred when Jackson and another individual were hit by a black Ford F-150 that drove onto the emergency shoulder.

The truck struck the rear of the car and hit both people, according to a police report.

The driver of the truck, who identified himself to police as Alex Cabrera of Indianapolis, fled the scene on foot, according to the police report.

He was apprehended a short time later. Police said Cabrera was driving without and license, and they believe he was intoxicated at the time of the incident.

"We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson's passing," the Colts said in a statement released by the team. "Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths, and he will be greatly missed in our locker room and throughout our entire organization. We also understand that another person lost his life in the accident, only adding to our sorrow on this day. We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men during this difficult time."

Police identified the other man killed in the crash as Jeffrey Monroe, 54. Based on their initial investigation, police believe Monroe, a ride-sharing operator, stopped his 2018 Lincoln on the side of the road after Jackson, his passenger, became ill.

The incident remains under investigation.

Jackson started in eight of the 16 games he appeared in with the Colts in 2016. He was placed on injured reserve by the Colts in September 2017.

To get the day's top sports stories in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here