Fort Worth woman also killed in crash that took life of ex-TCU football star Jeff Gladney

The accident that killed a former TCU football standout also ended the life of a 26-year-old Fort Worth resident.

Mercedes Palacios was killed in the car crash early Monday morning along with former first-round NFL draft pick Jeff Gladney, her family told KXAS-TV.

Gladney’s death in the crash was confirmed by his agent. He was 25.

The fatal two-vehicle crash happened around 2:30 a.m. in the westbound service lanes of Woodall Rogers Freeway at Allen Street, said Raul Reyna, a spokesperson for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were dispatched to the accident, which involved a white vehicle overturned in a grassy area. At the scene, Dallas Fire-Rescue confirmed two people were dead, a man and a woman.

Early investigations indicate that the white vehicle the pair were in was speeding and clipped the second vehicle from behind, Reyna said. The driver of the white vehicle lost control and hit the pier beam of the Woodall Rogers Freeway.

The second vehicle was occupied by two people and they were not injured, the sheriff’s office said.

Family and friends shared condolences for Palacios on social media on Tuesday.

Shereen Gul wrote that she’s heartbroken by the news and remembers Palacios as incredibly intelligent, sweet, funny and driven.

“You just knew she was going places when you talked to her,” she said in a Facebook post. “She left an impression on me as I know she did with others. I am certain she was a great role model to her community in the Northside area of Fort Worth.”

Family members posted video tributes to Palacios.

Former classmates and friends from Tarleton State University also honored Palacios.

“She was the most kind, loving, and sweetest girl,” Brittany Curran said on Facebook. “This news is heartbreaking for all of us.”

The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office will officially identify the two bodies, police said.