Former NFL, Lower Richland HS football player killed in motorcycle accident

Richland Co, S.C. (WOLO)– The Richland Co. Coroner’s office says a former professional football player was killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday night in the Northeast.

Troopers say David Patten was killed when his motorcycle went left of center and struck a Chevrolet sedan at the intersection of Clemson and Old Clemson Rd. at 9:30 Thursday evening.

According to the coroner’s office, the victim is identified as David Patten, Jr., 47, of Columbia

Patten was a former wide receiver for the New England Patriots.

He attended Lower Richland High School and Western Carolina University.

Richland School Dist. One released the following statement:

“We were saddened to learn of the tragic death of David Patten who was killed in an accident Thursday, September 2. Mr. Patten, a graduate of Lower Richland High School, played on several NFL teams and he was a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. Mr. Patten gave back to the Lower Richland High School community by providing track and field equipment and mentoring students, and he was a motivational speaker for male middle school students throughout Richland One. We extend our condolences and prayers to his family.”