Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton has lost an arm in a multi vehicle car crash.
The 22-year-old football star is reportedly in a critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami but is thankfully expected to survive.
The crash reportedly happened in south Florida, close to the intersection of Dolphin and Palmetto expressways in Miami-Dade County.
According to NFL.com, Norton had been driving a black 2017 Ford F250 on westbound State Road 836. His car, for unknown reasons, collided with a concrete barrier wall and overturned. Miami Dade Fire Rescue then transported Kendrick to Ryder Trauma Center.
A grey 2015 Maserati sedan was also involved in the crash, however the driver of this vehicle did not sustain any injuries.
NFL network insider Ian Rapoport reported Kendrick was still in hospital, having suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Sources have reportedly told the Sun Sentinel how paramedics were forced to amputate Kendrick’s arm in order to extract him from the vehicle.
Norton’s agent, Malki Kawa, confirmed the amputation in a tweet where he asked fans to continue praying for the sports star:
With sadness, I can confirm that Kendrick Norton was in a car accident last night and suffered multiple injuries, including the amputation of his arm.
We ask that you continue to pray for him. His family also asks that the public respect Kendrick’s privacy.
Officials at Miami Dolphins have also tweeted about the crash, stating:
We were made aware this morning of a serious car accident involving Kendrick Norton. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendrick and his family during this time.
As reported by BBC News, Kendrick was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and played college football for the University of Miami. In three seasons, Kendrick registered 84 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and five sacks
Kendrick was chosen for the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers, before being signed by the Miami Dolphins in December 2018. He was reportedly competing for a roster spot this off-season, as reported by The Guardian.
Manny Diaz, who coached Kendrick at the University of Miami, has also offered his thoughts and prayers for the gifted young football player:
The U family is praying for Kendrick, his family and the medical professionals helping him this morning.
Our thoughts are with Kendrick Norton and his family at this difficult time.
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.