A moment of silence in sharing condolences to one of the best linebackers in Alabama history.
Former Crimson Tide standout Reggie Ragland lost his grandfather Rayfield Ragland Sr. to a car accident on Tuesday in Lauderdale County, per Crystal Bonvillian of AL.com.
Injuries sustained after the crash, which occurred at 2 p.m., were believed to be cause of Ragland’s death.
Amber Eady of WAFF 48 was the first to break the news Wednesday at 12:16 p.m. Her report states that Ragland, 80, was killed when a 2007 Cheverlot HHR (passenger) left the road and struck a tree. The accident happened three miles west of Florence, Ala.
His grandson Reggie was Alabama’s heart and soul on defense in 2015, guiding the group to Southeastern Conference championship and a national title. Ragland took to Twitter to express his grief.
Rip Grandad
— Reggie Ragland (@reggieragland) February 2, 2016
It's crazy that man taught me a lot https://t.co/41eGjWYHHM
— Reggie Ragland (@reggieragland) February 3, 2016
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.