The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the woman
who was riding with NFL star Jeff Gladney at the time of his fatal crash was his girlfriend.
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The Medical Examiner’s Office officially confirms the identity of Jeff Gladney’s girlfriend
Authorities confirmed that 26-year-old Mercedes Andrea Palacios was the passenger who died in the crash. As previously reported Jeff Gladney and his girlfriend were found dead in an overturned vehicle around 2:30 a.m. Investigators believe Gladney was speeding before his vehicle clipped another car from behind. According to TMZ, it is unclear how fast his vehicle was going at the time.
Gladney’s vehicle struck a pier beam on the freeway and flipped in a grassy area, officers said. The driver and a passenger in the vehicle were not injured.
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Jeff Gladney’s NFL career before his tragic passing
Before his death, Gladney played cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals and was the former #1 draft pick in the NFL. He was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings as the 31st overall pick in 2020. He played 16 games for the team during that year. He was dropped by the team in 2021 due to accusations of assaulting his girlfriend. However, Gladney signed a new contract with the Cardinals in March of this year.
“We are asking for prayers for the family and privacy at this most difficult time,” his agent said in a statement. The National Football League also released a statement after officials learned about Gladney’s death.
“We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Jeff Gladney and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/FgN5T62q3I
— NFL (@NFL) May 30, 2022
A statement was also released by the Vikings who extended their condolences to the Cardinals and Gladney’s teammates.
“We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon.”
We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon. pic.twitter.com/5bdVCXT6Gv
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 30, 2022
Tragic news: Former TCU standout and Vikings’ first-round pick Jeff Gladney was killed in an overnight car accident in the Dallas area, his agent Brian Overstreet confirmed today. Gladney was 25 years old.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2022
Awful, tragic news. Former TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed overnight in a car accident. He was just 25 years old. Gladney was a first round pick of the Vikings in 2020, and had signed with the Cardinals in March.
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) May 30, 2022