EAST POINT, GEORGIA: In a heartbreaking incident, the son of former NFL defensive end Hugh Douglas died in a car crash alongside his college roommate.
Hugh Douglas Jr, aged 20, and his friend Christion Files Jr, also 20, lost their lives in a devastating accident in Georgia, located southwest of Atlanta on Monday, September 4.
What led to the car crash?
The accident occurred when their vehicle attempted to pass another car at a high speed, ultimately losing control and colliding head-on with a utility pole before flipping over, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets Pro Bowl defensive end Douglas Sr, who shares his name with his late son, expressed his profound grief on social media. He paid a touching tribute to his beloved son by sharing multiple throwback photos on Twitter and Instagram. In one of his heartfelt posts, he wrote, "You were already a better man than me."
Both Douglas Jr and Files Jr were pursuing their education at Morehouse College and were expected to graduate in 2025. Douglas Jr was recognized as an “exceptional student who displayed immense dedication,” majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance. Similarly, Files Jr also pursued business administration, with a concentration in marketing.
“Hugh and Christion were not just friends but also roommates during their sophomore year, and their loss is deeply felt by all of us in the Morehouse family,” Kevin Booker, vice president for student services and dean of Morehouse, said. “…They leave a legacy of excellence, passion, and dedication that will continue to inspire us all.”
Community in shock
The tragedy deeply affected the Morehouse College community, where both young men were known for their dedication and excellence. “Hugh Douglas was an exceptional student who displayed immense dedication and promise in pursuing a business administration degree with a concentration in finance,” the school wrote on its official Instagram.
“He was a member of the @MorehouseBusiness Association, an @AltFinanceedu Fellow, and a @GoldmanSachs Fellow, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in his field.”
On the other hand, Files Jr was a co-captain of the school's track and field team, served as the media chair for the junior class council, and was actively involved in the Morehouse Business Association.
Douglas Sr, a three-time Pro Bowler, enjoyed a successful NFL career spanning a decade, playing for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Now a radio host at Philadelphia-based station 94WIP, Douglas Sr received an outpouring of support from his colleagues and listeners.
“We want to express our deepest condolences to 94WIP’s @Bighugh53 and his entire family, as his son Hugh Douglas tragically passed away yesterday. Our hearts are heavy for Hugh and his family,” the station posted on X.
Fellow host Joe Giglio shared heartfelt words, saying, "Every time I spoke to Hugh about his kids, he spoke so glowingly about [his son] Hugh. When I heard it, it hit me in so many ways. I’m sad for Hugh. As a parent, it’s the worst thing you can hear."
