As former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns wide receiver Michael Jefferson recovers from the deadly crash, law enforcement now believes it knows what caused the crash on April 9 in Mobile County, Alabama.
Jefferson, age 23, was driving his Chevrolet Impala on April 9 in his native Alabama. Just weeks before the 2023 NFL Draft, his car was struck head-on by another vehicle being driven by 55-year-old Charles Dunn.
- Michael Jefferson stats (career): 1,291 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns in 22 games
According to a crash report obtained by TMZ, police believe Dunn was driving under the influence of both drugs and alcohol at the time of the crash. While blood results haven’t come back yet, law enforcement doesn’t suspect Jefferson of driving impaired at the time of the collision.
The police report indicates that Jefferson was driving at approximately 75 mph in the 65 mph zone moments before the collision, with Dunn’s speed unknown. Dunn’s Dodge Charger – traveling southbound – moved into Jefferson’s northbound lane and crashed head-on. The Chevrolet Impala then crashed into another vehicle. Dunn died as a result of the crash.
Jefferson was coming off a breakout season, netting 51 receptions for 810 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. Prior to the injuries he suffered in the crash, Jefferson was viewed as a potential Day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
A 6-foot-4 wide receiver who played at Alabama State and Louisiana, Jefferson required multiple surgeries as a result of the crash. No further details have been provided on the specifics of the injuries he suffered, a timetable for his recovery nor if he will be able to resume his football career.