The aunt and uncle of 49ers tight end Delanie Walker were killed by a suspected drunken driver in a car crash outside New Orleans just hours after the Super Bowl.
Walker posted pictures of Alice and Bryan Young posing with him and wearing 49ers gear and Mardi Gras beads in New Orleans.
Wrote Walker: "Alice and bryan young my aunt and uncle was killed on Monday at 5 am after the super bowl by a drunk driver …. We lost some good people they will be missed i love y'all so much."
The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that the Youngs were in their car on the shoulder of Interstate 10 about 5:30 a.m. when a vehicle driven by Nechole Thomas, 26, struck the back of their 2012 Nissan Altima.
Thomas escaped her car before both vehicles burst into flames and later was arrested on two counts of vehicular homicide, driving while intoxicated and reckless operation of a vehicle, the newspaper reported.
Walker's agent, Vincent Taylor, said the Youngs were driving back to their hotel in Baton Rouge. Walker, who is from Pomona, played well in the Super Bowl, making three catches for 48 yards and opening holes for the 49ers' running game. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next month.
Teammates and team president Jed York offered condolences via Twitter:
"Thoughts & prayers go out to @Dwalk46 We are praying for you and your family."
Interview request denied – For the second consecutive year, the 49ers blocked secondary coach Ed Donatell from interviewing for a defensive coordinator position.
According to NFL.com, New Orleans asked but was denied permission to talk to Donatell. Tampa Bay inquired last year. Donatell has served as a defensive coordinator for Atlanta, Green Bay and the University of Washington.
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