Three-Time Super Bowl Winner David Patten Dies at 47

David Patten, three-time Super Bowl winner with New England Patriots, died in motorcycle crash at 47, his manager Sam Gordon confirmed the tragic news on Friday.

Gordon did not provide any further details, but the South Carolina Highway Patrol said, via The State, that Patten was killed in an accident while riding his motorcycle in Columbia on Thursday night.

A motorcycle driver crossed the median, causing a crash involving two other cars. One of the cars' drivers was also taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye. The crash remains under investigation by the highway patrol and the coroner.

"I am heartbroken by the news of David's passing," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry."

"It breaks my heart to hear of David's tragic passing at such a young age," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "I am grateful to have coached David. He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions."

Furthermore, the former NFL wide receiver's teammates Richard Seymour and Deion Branch and former New England offensive coordinator Charlie Weis were among those eulogizing Patten on social media.

Patten played for five teams over a 12-year NFL career but he is best known for his four seasons with the Patriots from 2001 to 2004. When he retired during Patriots training camp in 2010, he described his time with the Patriots as the highlight of his career.