NEW details have emerged of the tragic motorcycle crash that killed former New England Patriots player David Patten at 47, according to reports.
The crash, which took place around 9:45pm on Thursday night, happened after Patten “traveled left of center” on the road and struck a Chevrolet Sedan, which then sideswiped a Honda, police report.
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten died after a collision, while the driver of the Chevrolet was treated at a nearby hospital for minor injuries.
Tom Brady led the tributes, as he took to his Instagram stories to share a photo of Patten alongside the caption: “The consummate professional. RIP my friend. My love goes out to David’s family.”
During his time with the Patriots, Patten won three Super Bowls – XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX.
Patten also had stints at Washington Redskins, New Orleans Saints, and the Cleveland Browns.
Read our live blog on David Patten for the latest news and updates…
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TRIBUTES TO PATTEN FLOOD IN
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DAMIEN WOODY SENDS ‘PRAYERS’ TO FAMILY
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HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES PATTEN HAVE?
At the time of his death, Patten was married to his wife, Gailena.
According to ESPN, the couple reportedly had four children together.
In 2017, Patriots.com reported that one of Patten’s sons, Daquan, was a walk-on freshman wide receiver at Western Carolina.
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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS RELEASES STATEMENT
The New Orleans Saints released a statement following news of Patten’s death.
The statement reads: “The New Orleans Saints are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of David Patten.
“While his tenure with the Saints was relatively short, he left an indelible mark on his teammates, coaches, and staff through his actions, words, and his infectious smile.
“He was a tenacious competitor and infused the locker room with leadership and a winning spirit that remains to this day.
“The thoughts and prayers of the Saints organization are with his family and countless friends.”
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WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF DEATH?
The news of Patten’s death hit social media on September 3.
According to the Richland County coroner office, Patten was riding a motorcycle on September 2 and died after a collision.
The S.C. Highway Patrol reported that the wreck involving Patten happened just after 9:30 p.m. on September 2 in the northeast part of Richland County, South Carolina.
Patten was on his motorcycle going west on Clemson Road and drove into the opposing lane, the patrol said.
According to the Highway Patrol, the three-time Super Bowl champ hit a sedan, which then sideswiped a van.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Patten died in the wreck.
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RICHARD SEYMOUR IS ‘HEARTBROKEN’
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WHERE DID PATTEN ATTEND COLLEGE?
David Patten attended Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
As a senior in 1996, he recorded 59 catches for 881 yards and was named to the All-Southern Conference team.
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FANS RUSH TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans rushed to social media to pay tribute to the wide receiver, posting photographs with him and footage of his best moments.
“Was the nicest, kindest person when we met him 2 yrs ago. Patriots legend, human legend,” one person wrote.
Another wrote: “RIP David Patten. An understated pillar of the Patriots dynasty and still only one of three players in the past 50 years to run, throw and pass for a touchdown in one game.”
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RETIREMENT
In July 2010, at the age of 37, Patten announced his retirement from professional football.
Dealing with injuries during his final years in the league, father time caught up to Patten, who still believed he could keep up physically with the sport.
But it was the mental challenge that led him to tell coach Bill Belichick he was retiring after four practices.
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NEW YORK GIANTS PAY RESPECTS
The New York Giants was the first team Patten played for when he joined the NFL.
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PATTEN’S COUSIN
Patten’s cousin George Moore Jr confirmed his cause of death on Twitter, mourning the loss of his family member.
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PATTEN’S ALMA MATER
Patten’s alma mater Western Carolina University asks students to honor the alum as they tribute the player.
The school also plans to hold a moment of silence in his honor.
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WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM SENDS LOVE
Formerly the Washington Redskins, the Washington Football team pays tribute to their former player.
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‘REPRESENTED ALL THAT WAS GOOD’
Those in the NFL remember Patten kindly, saying that he “represented all that was good.”
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TOM BRADY POSTS TRIBUTE
Tom Brady takes to his Instagram story to pay tribute to Patten and sending love to his family.
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LAST WEEK
Journalist Marc Betrand recalls Patten visitng Wilmington, Masachusetts last week and signing autographs.
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THE SAINTS STATEMENT
Patten played for the New Orleans Saints as well during his extensive career.
“While his tenure with the Saints was relatively short, he left an indelible mark on his teammates, coaches, and staff through his actions, words, and his infectious smile,” the Saints said in a statement.
“He was a tenacious competitor and infused the locker room with leadership and a winning spirit that remains to this day.”
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PATTEN’S FORMER AGENT
Mark Lepselter was Patten’s agent that the beginning of the career when he signed a modest contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2001.
“I remember him telling me, ‘If it’s a level playing field, I’ll win the job.’ That’s what he did,” Lepselter said.
“He was a three-time Super Bowl champion, and I have always felt he was an integral part of the foundation Coach Belichick and the Patriots began building 20-plus years ago. He was the ultimate never-say-never individual — truly remarkable perseverance.”
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‘A BETTER MAN’
Sam Gordon, who had Patten as a client in his management firm, said he had spoken with Patten’s wife and that they were “all very heartbroken” by his death.
“If there is one thing I want people to know about David, it’s that as great a player he was, he was a better man,” Gordon told ESPN’s Mike Reiss.
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PATRIOTS OWNER STATEMENT
“I am heartbroken by the news of David’s passing,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement.
“He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry. David transitioned from an undersized and understated wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher. In New England, he will always be remembered as a three-time Super Bowl Champion.”
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WHEN DID THE MOTORCYCLE CRASH OCCUR?
According to officials, the crash occurred at 9:45pm on Thursday.
Patten was pronounced dead on the scene.
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FORMER COACH SPEAKS OUT
David’s former coach, Charlie Weis, also talked about the loss of his former player.
“Shocked and saddened about the sudden tragic death of David Patten. Excellent player, even better person. Family guy, team guy, devout Christian. Prayers all directed this way. RIP David. You will be sorely missed.”
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ONE OF THE FIRST TRIBUTES
Former teammater Richard Seymour was one of the first to confirm Patten’s passing by sharing a picture of the two on Twitter.
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WHAT WAS PATTEN’S NET WORTH?
Patten was reportedly worth an estimated $15million, according to Net Worth Post.
It is believed that he amassed his fortune through his NFL career.
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CONFIRMING HIS DEATH
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Patten died in the wreck.
The coroner’s officer and the highway patrol are investigating the death and collision.