GONE TOO SOON 

Cleveland Browns star Benjamin Gay dies in horrific car accident at 44 – as tributes pour out for the dad of three

A FORMER NFL star of the Cleveland Browns has died at 44 in a tragic car accident.

Benjamin Gay, who was a running back for the Ohio team for one season in 2001, died on July 29.

Gay was a fan-favorite during his season with the Cleveland Browns, according to local outlet the Akron Beacon Journal.

He had been signed to the team just three days before training camp and later helped carry the Browns to a massive 27-17 win over the Baltimore Ravens, who had won the Super Bowl the previous year.

During the game, Gay scored an early second-quarter touchdown that put the Cleveland Browns in the lead.

The touchdown was the only one Gay scored during his NFL career.

After the NFL and up until his death, Gay worked as a welder, according to an obituary.

In February 2012, the former football star married a woman named Margarita, who he shared one son and two daughters with.

Gay has been described as a “stalwart Christian” who attended Platte Valley Baptist Church in Fort Morgan, Colorado.

“He loved to spend time with his family, work on cars, and ensured that the yards of his family members were well cared for,” the obituary reads.

Benjamin enjoyed staying busy, and was always happy when he had something to do.”

Gay was born Benjamin Stevenson Gay Jr. in Houston, Texas.

He graduated from Spring High School as a USA Today first-team All-American and went on to attend Baylor University and Garden City Community College.

He ultimately graduated with a Masters Degree in Biology.

Before the NFL, Gay also played with the Edmonton Eskimos in Canada.

In the days following his death, tributes have poured out across social media for the former football star.

“Very sad news: Former #Browns standout running back Ben Gay was killed in a car crash,” one X user wrote.

“RIP to a great person and teammate. Honored to have had the opportunity to be your Fullback during our Semi Pro Days. Rest easy bro!!!” another said.

“I just heard about Benjamin Gay’s passing. My condolences to all who knew him. May he rest in peace,” a third chimed in.

“If you knew high school football back in the late late 90’s in Texas, then you heard of Benjamin Gay,” another wrote.

“My classmate, my friend. One of the best running backs the state has ever seen. RIH big dawg!”

The fatal car accident was confirmed by the Associated Press.

Additional details were not immediately available.