Colts owner Jim Irsay to pay for funerals of linebacker Edwin Jackson, Jeffrey Monroe after car crash: report

Feb. 06--Colts owner Jim Irsay is paying for the funerals of Indianapolis linebacker Edwin Jackson and Uber driver Jeffrey Monroe after the two were killed by a suspected drunken driver early Sunday morning, according to a report.

Indiana police said the driver, Manuel Orrega-Savala, 37, is in the U.S. illegally and has been deported twice, which prompted President Donald Trump to tweet about the fatal crash on Tuesday in an attack against Democrats over immigration.

"So disgraceful that a person illegally in our country killed @Colts linebacker Edwin Jackson," Trump wrote. "This is just one of many such preventable tragedies. We must get the Dems to get tough on the Border, and with illegal immigration, FAST!"

WISH-TV's Tim McNicholas reported news of Irsay's decision later Tuesday.

Orrega-Savala was allegedly intoxicated and driving without a license when he rammed his Ford F-150 into Jackson, 26, and Monroe, 54, while they were standing by the side of an Indianapolis highway on Sunday. Investigators said Monroe had pulled over to let Jackson out of the car because he was ill.

Orrego-Savala, a Guatemalan citizen, was deported from the U.S. in 2007 and again in 2009. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement Monday that he was previously convicted of driving under the influence in California in 2005.

He also has other "misdemeanor criminal convictons and arrests in California and Indiana," ICE said.

Orrega-Salava is being held in the Marion County jail and is awaiting charges.

Jackson signed with the Arizona Cardinals in May 2015 but was released by the team roughly three months later. The Colts signed him to their practice squad in December 2015 and then to a reserve/future contract a month later.

Jackson played in 16 games during the 2016 season, but was placed on injured reserve last September and did not play in 2017.

Irsay shared his condolences to Jackson's family on Twitter Sunday.

"Our hearts and prayers are with Edwin Jackson's family," Irsay wrote. "Terrific young man, respected and liked by all. Rest In Peace, Edwin."

Irsay has not commented on Trump's response, but it wouldn't be the first time the 58-year-old owner took issue with the President's remarks.

In September, Irsay said he was bothered by the President's call for NFL owners to release any "sons of bitches" who take a knee or make another gesture during the national anthem.

"I am troubled by the President's recent comments about our league and our players," Irsay said in a statement. "Sports in America have the unique ability to bring people from all walks of life and from different points of view together to work toward or root for a common goal, and the Indianapolis Colts are proud to be a part of that tradition in our home city and state."

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