Live updates: Patriots at Seahawks
SEATTLE — Patriots running back James White’s father, Tyrone, was killed in an automobile accident in South Florida on Sunday, the Broward Sheriff’s Office confirmed to the Globe.
Tyrone White was a captain with the Miami-Dade Police Department. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
White’s mother, Lisa, was also injured in the crash, according to the sheriff’s office. She remains in critical condition.
The Broward Sheriff’s office said in a statement that two victims were transported via air to the hospital after the accident in Cooper City, southwest of Fort Lauderdale.
White was informed of the accident and was inactive for Sunday night’s game against the Seahawks.
During NBC’s broadcast, sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya said Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered to fly White immediately to Miami, but White declined and elected to remain in Seattle. According to Tafoya, White did not report to CenturyLink Field for Sunday’s game. He plans to travel back to Massachusetts with the team.
A Patriots captain and one of the most popular players on the team, White is one of the best receiving backs in the league.
Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and assistant coach Troy Brown huddled with running backs Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead, and J.J. Taylor in what appeared to be a very emotional moment.
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had a message of support for White before the game, tweeting, “Praying for you bro.”
On the first series of Sunday night’s game, Devin McCourty returned an interception for a touchdown, ran to a camera in end zone and said, “2-8, we love you bro!”
It’s been a tragic week for the Patriots family, with the death of coach Bill Belichick’s mother, Jeannette, last Monday and Belichick’s longtime girlfriend, Linda Holliday, losing her father, days later.
Nicole Yang of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.
