2 dead, including ex-Raider, in Oakland wreck

Recommended Video:

An NFL linebacker who spent most of his career with the Oakland Raiders and was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons caused a high-speed crash on Interstate 880 in Oakland that killed him and a second motorist, authorities said Monday.

The CHP said a northbound BMW 750Li driven by Thomas Howard, a 30-year-old Alameda resident, crashed into the back of a big rig at about 12:50 a.m. Monday, sending the car over the median south of Fifth Avenue.

Witnesses told the CHP that Howard had been exceeding 100 mph, said Officer Daniel Hill.

The BMW overturned, crossed the median and ended up in the southbound lanes of I-880, where it sideswiped a Chevrolet Monte Carlo and landed on top of a Honda CRV, Hill said. Howard and the driver of the Honda, Zeng Long Liu, 64, of Hayward, were killed, authorities said.

The Chevrolet driver complained of pain and was taken to a hospital.

Howard has convictions in California for failing to obey a sign or signal and failing to have his license in his possession, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. He also has a speeding conviction in Florida, records show.

Thomas Howard and another driver died in the wreck. Thomas Howard and another driver died in the wreck. Photo: NFL Photos, NFL Photo: NFL Photos, NFL Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close 2 dead, including ex-Raider, in Oakland wreck 1 / 5 Back to Gallery

The Raiders selected Howard in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft, making the linebacker from University of Texas-El Paso the 38th overall pick. He started 62 games over the next five years. In 2007, his six interceptions led the Raiders, and his 172 yards during interception returns led the league.

Howard played for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011 and 2012. Signed by Atlanta last month, he was released after the return of an injured teammate.