Former National Football League (NFL) wide receiver David Patten, who won three Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, died in a motorcycle crash outside Columbia, South Carolina on Thursday at the age of 47, according to the team’s official statement. 

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye, Patten, on a motorcycle, crossed the median, causing a crash involving two other cars. One of the cars’ drivers was also taken to a hospital with undisclosed injuries.

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The crash remains under investigation by the highway patrol and the Richland County coroner.

In an official statement, Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said, “I am heartbroken by the news of David’s passing.” 

“He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry. David transitioned from an undersized and understated wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher. In New England, he will always be remembered as a three-time Super Bowl Champion,” Kraft added.

Patten had a 12-year NFL career with five different teams, but his four seasons with the Patriots (2001-04) are most remembered for two spectacular receptions that helped New England win its first Super Bowl in 2001.

His best statistical year in NFL came in 2004 with New England when he registered 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Patten was on the receiving end of the second-longest pass play in Patriots history, a 91-yard touchdown reception from Tom Brady at Indianapolis on Oct. 21, 2001.

When he retired during the Patriots training camp in 2010, Patten described his time with the Patriots as the highlight of his career.

“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.”