Former University of Texas and NFL running back Cedric Benson has been killed in a motorcycle crash in West Austin, Texas.

The 36-year-old was killed when his bike hit a minivan at around 10pm Saturday night.



Benson's passenger, identified as woman in her 30s, also was killed, according to the Austin-Travis County EMS. Both were declared dead on the scene.





EMS said they had responded to initial reports of a 'vehicle and person on fire' after the crash. Two other adults involved in the crash suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Just hours before the crash, Benson posted a picture of a BMW motorcycle to his Instagram stories with the caption: 'My Saturday night'

Running back Cedric Benson has been killed in a motorcycle crash. He is pictured playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009

Just hours before the crash, Benson posted this picture of a BMW motorcycle to his Instagram stories

Video courtesy of CBS Austin

His former Chicago Bears teammate Thomas Jones posted on Twitter: 'Woke up to the horrible news of Cedric Benson's passing.

'My heart aches for him and his family. Sending love, peace and blessings their way. Gone way too soon my brother. Rest well young King. You will truly be missed.'

North Carolina coach Mack Brown, who recruited Benson when he was Texas' coach, responded to an Instagram post, writing: 'We lost a great one way too soon #RIP.'

Two days before the tragic accident, Benson appeared in court in Travis County to plead guilty to misdemeanor drunk-driving charges dating to February 2017, KVUE reported.

There are no reports yet on whether alcohol played a role in the deadly crash Saturday.

Benson was the first round draft pick in 2005 for the Chicago Bears, and appeared for them in Super Bowl XLI.

The 36-year-old was killed when his bike hit a minivan at around 10pm Saturday night, along with a female passenger in her 30s

Benson playing for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2009. He was the No. 4 overall draft pic in 2005

He later played for the Cincinnati Bengals and signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers.

He first played for the Texas Longhorns from 2001-04 and rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons, included 1,834 yards as a senior.

He rushed for 5,540 yards and had 64 rushing touchdowns, adding 621 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

At the time he left Texas, he was No. 6 on the NCAA rushing list in yards gained. He still is No. 10 on the all-time list

He won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back in 2004, then was drafted No. 4 overall the following year by the Chicago Bears.

A broken foot in 2012 ended his professional career. In his NFL career, Benson rushed for 6,017 yards and 32 touchdowns.