Top > Sport > 2007 > January > 2007-01-03

Broncos cornerback victim of drive-by shooting

Denver Broncos cornerback, Darrent Williams, 24, was killed Monday in a drive-by shooting in downtown Denver. The shooting occurred a few hours following the Broncos loss to the San Francisco 49ers which ended their season, following an argument that took place in a nightclub Williams and his friends were at. Williams was found dead in his Hummer limousine, alongside two friends who were also injured.

Williams has just completed his second pro season. He was a second-round draft choice in 2005 out of Oklahoma State. Alongside team-mate Champ Bailey, the two formed one of the league`s top cornerback duos. This season alone, Williams had 86 tackles, 3 recovered fumbles and 4 interceptions this season. "He was hardworking, just full of life and big hearted," said Williams` mother, Rosalind. Williams, who was not married, had a son and a daughter who live with their mother in Texas.

Williams, as well as other Broncos and Nuggets players were at the club to celebrate New Year`s Eve and the Nuggets` forward, Kenyon Martin`s birthday. The shooting allegedly took place at 2am. The police believe at this point that the shooting was not an accident and are looking for suspects. Broncos Coach Mike Shanahan, who visited Williams` mother in her hotel room, said the killing left him "speechless with sadness."