Jeff Gladney Crash Report, NFL Player Was 'Swerving' & 'Flying' Before Fatal Wreck
Jeff Gladney Crash Report NFL Player Was 'Swerving,' 'Flying' ... Before Fatal Wreck
Just seconds before Arizona Cardinals defensive back Jeff Gladney died in a car accident last month ... he was both "swerving" and "flying" down a roadway, this according to a crash report obtained by TMZ Sports.
In the official documents, authorities say Gladney was driving a 2019 Mercedes-Benz with his girlfriend, Mercedes Andrea Palacios, at around 2:20 AM on May 20 on the Woodall Rodgers Service Road in Dallas.
According to the docs, a witness told investigators Gladney sideswiped a Lexus while traveling at "a very high rate of speed."
Investigators say Gladney then lost control of his ride, traveled into a nearby grassy area, and flipped into a bridge pillar. The collision, according to the report, caused the car to burst into flames.
In the docs, authorities say a witness on the scene filled out an affidavit claiming Gladney was both "swerving" and "flying" prior to colliding with the Lexus. The witness, investigators say, claimed Gladney caused the crash.
In the docs, investigators noted neither Gladney nor Palacios were wearing seatbelts. They listed "unsafe speed" and "faulty evasive action" as contributing factors in the accident.
Authorities also noted in the docs that responders arrived eight minutes after they were initially notified of the wreck.
As we previously reported, both Gladney and Palacios were tragically killed in the crash. Gladney was just 25 years old; Palacios was just 26.
Family members and friends of former @TCUFootball, @Vikings and @AZCardinals player Jeff Gladney — and his girlfriend Mercedes Palacios — put together a memorial where the two were killed in a car crash near Downtown Dallas, Monday. @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/L8McjZ3o6E
— David Sentendrey (@DavidSFOX4) June 4, 2022 @DavidSFOX4
It's unclear if either alcohol or drugs played a role in the accident, the crash report notes specimens were not taken at the scene. The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office, meanwhile, told TMZ Sports on Wednesday autopsy results for Gladney are still pending.
Gladney -- a former Minnesota Vikings first-round pick in 2020 -- had just signed with the Cardinals this offseason and was expected to compete for a starting cornerback role.
RIP.