Police: Cedric Benson was driving at 'high rate' of speed before fatal crash

August 20, 2019 at 1:27 a.m. | Updated August 20, 2019 at 1:53 a.m.

by Associated Press

Cedric Benson talks to the media on April 23, 2005, after he was chosen the first pick of the Chicago Bears, the fourth overall, at the 2005 NFL draft in New York. Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and University of Texas history, died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Texas at age 36.
Cedric Benson talks to the media on April 23, 2005, after he was chosen the first pick of the Chicago Bears, the fourth overall, at the 2005 NFL draft in New York. Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and University of Texas history, died Saturday in a motorcycle accident in Texas at age 36.

AUSTIN - Police said Monday they are still investigating the weekend motorcycle crash that killed former Texas Longhorns running back and NFL player Cedric Benson and a woman passenger.

According to police, witnesses said Benson was driving his BMW motorcycle at a high rate of speed through a curving, hilly section of the city Saturday night when he collided with a van that was attempting a left turn.

Police said a passenger in the van and a bystander attempted to help Benson, 36, and his passenger, Aamna Najam, 27. Both died at the scene.

Police said the van driver is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed.

Benson is the second-leading rusher in Texas history with 5,540 yards. He was drafted No. 4 overall by Chicago in 2005 and played eight seasons in the NFL with the Bears, the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.

 

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