New Mexico safety Markel Byrd was killed in a car accident Tuesday, according to Nick Bromberg of Yahoo Sports. The 20-year-old sophomore safety was in a single-car accident with his girlfriend on I-40 near Gallup, N.M.
Byrd and his girlfriend were driving home for the holidays when their car suffered a blown tire, and they were both ejected from the vehicle. Markel died instantly, and his girlfriend remains in critical condition at a local hospital, according to university's team website.
"This is an absolute tragedy. Markel Byrd was an outstanding person and student-athlete and we will miss him," said head coach Bob Davie, via the team's website. "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 was an impact player for the Lobos and in two seasons recorded 85 tackles a sack and four interceptions. The redshirt sophomore had three tackles in their loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the New Mexico Bowl and was developing into a top-tier talent for the Lobos defense.
Byrd was originally from San Diego and played high school football at Horizon Christian Academy, where he played both quarterback and defensive back.
