JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Former Jaguars safety Donovin Darius was taken to a hospital following a traffic accident on Sunday and telling authorities that he was suicidal.
According to a police report, Darius, 44, was involved in an automobile accident on Sunday morning on Kernan Boulevard. The officer saw Darius in the driver’s seat and he appeared to be “disoriented and had slurred speech.”
When placed in an ambulance, Darius told rescue that he had taken 20 to 30 Trazadone pills and was suicidal. According to the Mayo Clinic, Trazadone is used to treat depression. It can also be used to treat insomnia, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Although Darius consented to a blood draw and field sobriety test, neither were administered because of Darius’s condition. The police report said that Darius could not stand on his own and the doctor at UF Health said that he wasn’t coherent enough to give his consent for a blood draw. He was taken to the hospital under the Baker Act.
The Baker Act law allows “emergency mental health services and temporary detention for people who are impaired because of their mental illness, and who are unable to determine their needs for treatment.”
Darius played nine seasons for the Jaguars and is one of the most popular players in franchise history. Support across social media was easy to find, with dozens of fans voicing their support for Darius.
My prayers to you man hang in there. Much Love @DonovinDarius pic.twitter.com/ZZR2V03X3M
— Minchew Fan #15 (@brian_bravo195) January 27, 2020
Darius was one of the hardest-hitting safeties in his playing career which included nine seasons with the Jaguars and one with the Miami Dolphins. Since his playing days, Darius has been a motivational speaker and author, publishing a book in 2017 called “Next Level Motivation: Principles for Living Life to the Fullest.”
In 2019, as part of the Jaguars’ 25th season, Darius was named as the 16th best player in the quarter-century history of the Jaguars.
Through his Donovin Darius Foundation, he has put on youth football camps in Jacksonville. According to the foundation’s website, over 5,300 kids have benefited from the foundation’s efforts.
We love you @DonovinDarius. The impact you had on my life personally was significant. You made me a better dad. All of Jacksonville will help you get through this. Don't lose hope. https://t.co/O26mYrfUnK
— Johnny Machiavelli (@DUVAL_DOOM) January 27, 2020
On Tuesday, a statement was released on behalf of Darius’ family.