MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Who was Andrea Mercedes Palacios? Jeff Gladney’s girlfriend died alongside him in car crash

Jeff Gladney and Andrea Palacios reportedly died after their vehicle lost control and hit a freeway pier beam in Dallas on May 30

The tragic accident that killed NFL player Jeff Gladney also reportedly took the life of his girlfriend Andrea Mercedes Palacios. Palacios was with Gladney when their vehicle got involved in a two-car accident in Dallas, Texas, on Monday morning, May 30. The woman’s identification was done by her family as well as the Dallas County police.

Palacios' brother John Paul Figueroa said, “She was just a loving, selfless person. Just outgoing. I know she loved Jeff because they were always together.” As reported by The New York Post, police said that the white vehicle in which Gladney and Palacios were “was speeding and clipped a second vehicle from behind. The white vehicle then lost control and hit a freeway pier beam, killing the man and woman inside. The second vehicle was also occupied by a man and woman, who were not seriously injured.”

READ MORE

How did Lionel James die? Record holder NFL icon, 59, was nicknamed ‘Little Train’

How did Demaryius Thomas die? Ex-Denver Broncos Pro Bowl star, 33, found dead at home

Who was Andrea Mercedes Palacios?

Not much information is available about Palacios. However, according to The Courier Daily, she was a 26-year-old woman of Mexican descent and a “member of Ladies Of INCrowd, a bottle service, and one other firm." She attended Tarleton State University and was pursuing nursing there.

Someone named Angel Palacios, who seemed to be related to her as they share the same last name, has paid tribute to her on Instagram. They posted a video with several pictures of Andrea Palacios and the caption read, “@cedespalacios life isn’t fair, we had so many adventures left 😭 i’ll miss our phone calls every day after work and your ability to light up an entire room. my life will never be the same but you’re forever in my heart and i can’t wait til we meet again. my guardian angel 🕊watch over me and my babies, love you always.”

Another post from Angel added, “Today i’ve cried more than i ever have…it comes in waves but today i’m drowning. i cry for the life you lived and the one you didn’t. thankful for my inability to put my phone down that allowed me to capture so many memories w you 🕊 #restinpeace.”

Meanwhile, the death of Gladney, who played for the TCU Horned Frogs football, has been mourned by many. The 25-year-old also played for the Minnesota Vikings. In a tweet, @Vikings said, “We are saddened by the tragic death of former Viking Jeff Gladney. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as well as the Arizona Cardinals organization and Jeff’s current and former teammates and coaches who are mourning his life lost much too soon.”

Football coach Gary Patterson tweeted, “Sad Day! No words can describe how Kelsey and I feel about the loss of Jeff Gladney, a true Horn Frog! Way to soon! We loved you and will miss you my friend! Please keep his family in your prayers! RIP.”

Football safety George Iloka added, “This Jeff Gladney news hitting me different. Had the privilege of playing with him during his rookie year in Minnesota. One of the most respectful and intentional rookies I’ve been around so far. Always had a smile and came to work. Sad sad. So young, so precious. RIP Young King.”