Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith's younger brother, Tevin, died in a motorcycle accident late Saturday night in northeast Virginia.
Smith left the team hotel after 1 a.m. ET Sunday to be with his family, though he still wants to play in Sunday night's game vs. the New England Patriots. The team says that decision is up to him.
Smith tweeted on Sunday, "I can't believe my little brother is gone...be thankful for your loved ones and tell them you love them...this is the hardest thing ever."
The second-year wide receiver met with coach John Harbaugh before leaving the hotel, and the coach is uncertain about his playing status.
"This is devastatingly sad, sad news," Harbaugh said in a statement issued by the team. "Torrey and his family are a close, special family, and our hearts and thoughts reach out to all of them. Our hearts ache today. We pray for Tevin, his mother, Torrey and the rest of the family. God bless Tevin."
Tevin, 19, wrecked in Westmoreland County, about 2 ½ hours south of Baltimore. He was riding alone on Chatham Lane when he ran off the road, crashing into a utility pole, according to the Westmoreland County Sheriff's office. Alcohol was not a factor and Jones was wearing a helmet, according to a state police report. The accident is still under investigation.
Torrey Smith, 23, attended Stafford High School in Falmouth, Va. As a child, the self-described 'country boy' helped care for six younger siblings while his mother attended school during the day and worked nights. The 2011 second-round pick of the Ravens has four catches for 108 yards after two games this season.If Smith does not play Sunday, Jacoby Jones will likely start in his place.
Tevin attended King George High School in King George, Va., where he was the starting quarterback as a senior in 2010. He is described by his high school football coach, Jeff Smith, as "one of those kids that always had a smile on his face."
More: USA TODAY Sports' Eric Prisbell's Washington Post feature on Smith's family
Since the news broke, there has been an outpouring of emotion on Twitter from the Baltimore and NFL community. A sample:
* My prayers and condolences go out @TorreySmithWR and his family through their trying times. The devil is a liar. - LaQuan Williams, Ravens wide receiver and Smith's teammate at Maryland.
* My thoughts and prayers are going out to @TorreySmithWR and his family could not imagine how hard this is we r behind you man - Jack Cornell, Ravens offensive lineman
* Heard my homie @TorreySmithWR lost a family member this am thoughts and prayers definitely go out 2 your family bro from the Williams family - Aaron Williams, Bills cornerback
* My heart and prayers go out to @TorreySmithWR ad his family this morning... Just sent one up for u bro - Ramon Harewood, Ravens offensive lineman
* @TorreySmithWR My prayers go out to you and your family during this tough time...Stay strong & know we are all here for you...Love u bro - Cary Williams, Ravens cornerback
About Reid and Mike
Reid Cherner has been with USA TODAY since 1982 and written Game On! since March 2008.
He has covered everything from high schools to horse racing to the college and the pros. The only thing he likes more than his own voice is the sound of readers telling him when he's right and wrong.
Michael Hiestand has covered sports media and marketing for USA TODAY, tackling the sports biz ranging from what's behind mega-events such as the Olympics and Super Bowl to the sometimes-hidden numbers behind the sports world's bottom line.
