Alex Collins’ death is the second for Arkansas Razorbacks and Baltimore Ravens in less than two months after Ryan Mallett’s June drowning

Alex Collins’ tragic death marks the second time the Arkansas Razorbacks and Baltimore Ravens have mourned a former player this summer, following the passing of Ryan Mallett in June.

Collins was announced dead by the Ravens on Monday night at the age of 28, later revealed to have been killed in a motorcycle accident.

The death of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida resident follows Mallett’s drowning on June 27, which occurred while he was vacationing in Destin, Florida, earlier this summer.

According to investigators from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Mallett “began struggling while trying to swim to a second sand bar about 50 yards offshore from the beach near Gulf Shores Drive in Destin.”

While it was initially speculated that the 35-year-old was caught in a tidal wave, Destin Beach Safety said in a statement that no tidal waves were present in the area around where Mallett was found, calling his death a “tragic accident.” ‘

Former Arkansas and Ravens player Ryan Mallett also died earlier this summer, on June 27

Collins played in Arkansas from 2013-15 before being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks

As for Collins, who began and ended his NFL career with the Seahawks, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday night he crashed into the passenger side of a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV and went through the window before coming to a stop inside the car. .

He was pronounced dead on the spot.

Collins played for the Razorbacks in college – with the third highest number of rushing seasons in school history – from 2013-15 before spending 2017-18 with the Ravens. The running back famously converted a 4th and 25th in college against Ole Miss to help his team win in overtime.

Mallett was at Arkansas from 2008-10 and was with Baltimore as a backup from 2015-17.

The Ravens said in a statement Monday night: “It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely nice person who carried a special joy and passion with him everywhere he went.

“May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought so many people into his life.”

The Razorbacks said: ‘We are so saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of Alex Collins. He was a legendary Razorback and an even better human being.

His love for the Razorbacks and desire to be a Boar was undeniable. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

Collins (left) scored 19 touchdowns during his NFL career with the Ravens and Seahawks

Unfortunately, the past year has been a full loss for both the Ravens and Razorbacks – apart from Collins and Mallett.

Former Arkansas and NFL defensive end Chris Smith died in April at age 31 of an unknown cause, while Dion Stutts, an 18-year-old Razorbacks recruit, was killed in an ATV crash in June.

In addition, former Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died in June 2022 at age 26 from the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine, officials said.

And Baltimore Super Bowl winner Tony Siragusa died that same week — reportedly in his sleep — at age 55.