Daylen Amir Austin, a 19-year-old University of Oregon football player, has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Eugene, Oregon.
The incident occurred one week ago around 9:10 p.m. approximately three miles from the university campus. Austin was apprehended just hours later.
The victim in the accident was a 46-year-old man.
Austin is a defensive back who hasn’t seen much playing time for the Ducks. He is only in his sophomore season with the squad.
Details Of The Accident
Details of the accident involving the Oregon Ducks football player are rather disturbing. One witness said he heard Daylen Austin in his car doing circles around the block for about 10-15 minutes.
Then his wife heard a sickening sound.
“My wife heard a thump and that was real rough. She didn’t put it together. She thought maybe he hit a tree or something, then I heard a bunch of sirens. Then I went outside and saw the scene,” the witness told Fox 12 Oregon. “All of these police cars and police tape and stuff. It was just really sad and I was very angry.”
The victim, according to the Daily Mail, had a large laceration on his neck.
Police have called the case a “complex investigation” in which they are still trying to compile evidence “for a final charging decision.”
Austin has been charged with felony hit-and-run presently.
RELATED: NFL legends Shannon Sharpe, Keyshawn Johnson Blast Rashee Rice After Car Crash That Injured 4 People
Oregon Coach Responds To Football Player’s Arrest
Oregon coach Dan Lanning is offering a vote of confidence in response to the news.
He urged patience and would like the public to allow the investigation to pan out.
“I have no updates right now. I know Daylen’s character and I think there’s a lot of details that will continue to play out,” he said. “Beyond that, I’m not going to speak on it any more than that.”
What Is Going On With These Guys?
Austin’s case seems to point to an epidemic of young football players in fast cars ending up with terrible results.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice turned himself in to police earlier this month and is now facing eight felony charges in connection with his role in a multi-vehicle car accident.
Multiple people were treated for injuries in the Rice crash. While things could have been much worse, fortunately, nobody is seriously injured.
Rice and Austin have seemingly failed to learn from the mistakes that put Henry Ruggs in jail after his DUI crash resulted in the death of 23-year-old Tina Tintor in Las Vegas.
In November 2021, the former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver was involved in a fatal DUI crash. He was driving at speeds over 150 mph with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
The tragic incident resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman and her dog. Ruggs was subsequently sentenced to a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
These guys need to stop racing their cars on public streets. There are private racetracks if they’re seeking such thrills. And if the drinks are flowing, you’re an athlete – you have friends that will drive or you can afford the Uber.
Austin has been arraigned in Lane County Court. He did not enter a plea and he’ll next appear in court on May 22nd.
