Suspect in crash that killed Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson was in US illegally, had been deported twice

Alex Lasker
Updated ·1 min read

Officials say that the suspect in an Indiana car crash that killed two people, including Indianapolis Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson, on Friday morning was an undocumented immigrant who had been deported twice.

According to a release from the Indiana State Police, the 26-year-old NFL player was riding as a passenger in an Uber vehicle when he became sick at around 4 a.m. The vehicle's driver, 54-year-old Jeffrey Monroe, then pulled the Uber over on Interstate 70 to assist Jackson.

As the two men were standing next to the car on the shoulder of the highway, police say that a black Ford F-150 plowed into the pair, killing them both.

The suspected driver of the pickup truck, 37-year-old Manuel Orrego-Savala, tried to flee on foot but was eventually apprehended.

According to Indiana State Police, Orrego-Savala gave a fake name when he was first arrested. It was later discovered that he is a citizen of Guatemala who is in the United States illegally and had previously been deported in 2007 and 2009.

Police say that Orrego-Savala was intoxicated and driving without a license when he hit and killed Jackson and Monroe. Officials are currently working with prosecutors on potential criminal charges against him.

The Colts released the following statement on Sunday regarding Jackson's death:

"We were heartbroken to hear the news of Edwin Jackson’s passing. Edwin was loved by all in the Colts organization. We admired his outgoing personality, competitive spirit and hard-working mentality. He was well-respected among all with whom he crossed paths."