New Mexico safety Markel Byrd dies in car accident
New Mexico safety Markel Byrd was killed in a single-car accident on Tuesday. He was 20 years old.
The school made the announcement of Byrd's death Wednesday morning. Byrd and his girlfriend, who was not identified by the school, were riding in the car while it suffered a blown tire on I-40 near Gallup, New Mexico.
Both were ejected from the vehicle and the school said Byrd was killed instantly. She was injured critically.
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"This is an absolute tragedy. Markel Byrd was an outstanding person and student-athlete and we will miss him." New Mexico coach Bob Davie said in a statement. "I was with the family late Tuesday night and obviously they are devastated. Our thoughts and prayers go to them. Markel will forever be a member of our family."
Byrd had three tackles in New Mexico's New Mexico Bowl loss to Arizona on Saturday. He had three interceptions in 2015 and had 44 tackles. The redshirt sophomore had 47 tackles in 2014.
Byrd was a native of San Diego and played high school football at Horizon Christian Academy.
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