Ex-Browns RB Ben Gay tragically killed in Colorado car crash

Former Cleveland Browns standout running back Ben Gay (Benjamin Gay) passed away at the age of 44, leaving behind his family.

Ex-Browns RB Ben Gay tragically killed in Colorado car crash

Former Browns running back Ben Gay passed away in car crash (Image via IMAGO)

Former Cleveland Browns running back Ben Gay (Benjamin Gay) tragically passed away in a car crash. He was 44 years old at the time of his death.

The incident took place in Colorado on July 29. An obituary in his memory was set up with friends and family members filled with heartwarming messages.

YouTube video
Benjamin [Gay] was a stalwart Christian and a proud attendee to Platte Valley Baptist Church. He loved to spend time with his family, work on cars, and ensured that the yards of his family members were well cared for. Benjamin enjoyed staying busy and was always happy when he had something to do.
the obituary for Ben Gay read

Ben Gay, who lived in Texas, left behind his wife and his three children.

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Benjamin is survived by his spouse, Margarita Gay, his son, Damian Ortega, his daughters, Julie Ortega and Brianna Morales, his brother, Rodley Johnson, his sisters, Kathy Gay, Benika Gay, Stacey Butler, Lola Smith, and many nieces and nephews.
the obituary read
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Ben Gay played for the Cleveland Browns

Gay was a standout player for the Spring High School in Texas. He played as a running back, but his build was similar to a linebacker.

Ex-Browns RB Ben Gay tragically killed in Colorado car crash
Ben Gay (Image via Open Source/X)

Several colleges, including Florida, Florida State, and Miami University, approached Gay with a scholarship. He chose Baylor over all of them, but just 5 weeks into his college life, he was kicked off the team for violating rules.

Gay joined Garden City Community College in 1999, where in his first season he played 9 games and rushed for 1,442 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite the numbers on the football field, he was kicked off again for violating rules and low grades.

In 2000, he crossed north of the border to Canada and joined the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, but they released him after the first pre-season game before signing with the Cleveland Browns.

He was the third-string running back behind James Jackson and Jamel White. After spending half a season without much of seeing the ball, the Browns gave him his debut against the Baltimore Ravens in November. He had 18 carries for 56 yards and one rushing touchdown in a 27-17 Browns win. Gay finished the season with 51 carries for 172 yards and one score, while also averaging 22.3 yards on 22 kickoff returns.

The Browns released him the following season, and he joined the Indianapolis Colts, but they cut him in August and subsequently retired from football. Ben Gay switched careers and became an electrician until he passed away.

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