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Hugh Douglas’ son was in a car that tried to overtake another car when it lost control and collided.
The son of former Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets Pro Bowl quarterback Hugh Douglas died, along with his college roommate, in a car accident in Georgia Monday night.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Hugh Douglas, 20, and Christian Files Jr., also 20, died after their car hit a power pole head-on and overturned in East Point, located southwest of Atlanta around 5 p.m.
Police say the couple’s car attempted to overtake another car at high speed when Files Jr lost control and ran off the road, knocking down two utility poles.
The former NFL star, who shared his name with his late son, took to social media in a heart-wrenching tribute, posting several old photos of them on Twitter and Instagram.
“You were really a better man than me,” Douglas said He commented on a post on Platform X, formerly known as Twitter, of his beloved son.
Both Douglas and Fells Jr. were scheduled to graduate from Morehouse College in 2025.
Described as “an exceptional student who demonstrated tremendous dedication,” Douglas majored in business administration with a focus on finance – and Files Jr. Also in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing.
“Hugh and Christion were not only friends, they were also roommates during their sophomore year, and their loss is felt deeply by all of the Morehouse family,” said Kevin Booker, Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Morehouse University.
“…they leave a legacy of excellence, passion and dedication that will continue to inspire us all.”
A wave of Morehead University students mourned the death of their late classmates.
“Hugh Douglas was an exceptional student who showed tremendous dedication and promise in pursuing a business degree with a focus on finance,” the school wrote on its official Instagram account. “He has been a member of the @MorehouseBusiness Association, a @AltFinanceedu Fellow, and a @GoldmanSachs Fellow, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in his field…”
Files was co-captain of the school’s track and field team, media chair of the Junior Class Council, and part of the Morehouse Works Association.
The elder Douglas serves as one of the hosts at Philadelphia-based radio station 94WIP — who paid their respects on the show and on social media expressing their “deepest condolences” to the family.
“We want to express our deepest condolences to 94WIP member @Bighugh53 and his entire family, as his son, Hugh Douglas, tragically passed away yesterday. Our hearts are heavy with Hugh and his family.”
“Every time I talked to Hugh about his kids, he would talk so excited about (his son) Hugh,” Joe Giglio, another host of 94WIP, said on Tuesday’s show.
“When I heard that, it shocked me in so many ways. I feel sad for Hugh. As a parent, this is the worst thing you can hear,” he continued.
Three-time Pro Bowler Hugh Douglas spent 10 years in the NFL playing for the Jets, Eagles and Jaguars.
He was drafted in the first round by the Jets and lasted two seasons from 1995 to 1997.
After his first stint with the Eagles, he left to play with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003 before returning to Philadelphia for one last run in 2004.