Former NFL Player Chris Payton-Jones Dies in Car Crash Weeks After Welcoming Daughter

The 30-year-old cornerback's tragic passing leaves behind a newborn baby and a young son.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fractured, multi-angled scene of a car crash, with sharp planes of dark colors representing the violent impact.The tragic car accident that claimed the life of former NFL player Chris Payton-Jones serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life.Gainesville Today

Chris Payton-Jones, a former NFL player who most recently suited up for the St. Louis Battlehawks, died in a car crash in Gainesville, Florida over the weekend. The 30-year-old had just welcomed a baby daughter just three weeks prior to the fatal accident.

Why it matters

Payton-Jones' sudden passing at a young age has devastated his family, including his sister Clotea Jones, who described him as 'excited about being a father' to his newborn daughter and 7-year-old son. The tragedy highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing loved ones while we can.

The details

According to an incident report, Payton-Jones was driving on the wrong side of the road when his sedan collided with a pickup truck. Three other passengers in the pickup truck suffered minor injuries. Payton-Jones' former Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht called him 'an outstanding player, a fantastic teammate and an incredible human being'.

  • Payton-Jones welcomed his baby daughter just 3 weeks before the fatal crash on April 15, 2026.
  • The car accident occurred on Saturday evening in Gainesville, Florida.

The players

Chris Payton-Jones

A 30-year-old former NFL cornerback who most recently played for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League. He had recently welcomed a newborn daughter and also had a 7-year-old son.

Clotea Jones

Payton-Jones' heartbroken sister, who described him as 'excited about being a father' to his newborn and young son.

Anthony Becht

Payton-Jones' former coach with the St. Louis Battlehawks, who called him 'an outstanding player, a fantastic teammate and an incredible human being'.

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What they’re saying

“I'm devastated. I'm hurt. My brother is gone. I cannot even cope with the pain.”

— Clotea Jones, Payton-Jones' sister

“Chris was an outstanding player, a fantastic teammate and an incredible human being. Chris was a joy to coach and be around the past two seasons in St. Louis.”

— Anthony Becht, Payton-Jones' former Battlehawks coach

What’s next

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fatal car crash that claimed Payton-Jones' life.

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Chris Payton-Jones, a young father and beloved teammate, serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change. His family and former coaches are devastated, highlighting the profound impact he had on those around him both on and off the field.