Miami Dolphins Player Kendrick Norton Blamed For Crash

MIAMI, FL—The Florida Highway Patrol has determined that Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kendrick Norton was to blame for the July 4 rollover wreck that caused him to lose his left arm, according to an investigative crash report released Thursday by the agency.

Florida Highway Patrol released a diagram showing Norton's Ford F-250 as it attempted to switch lanes along an exit ramp of the Dolphin Expressway near Miami.

The ramp split into two different directions and Norton's Ford F-250 sideswiped the passenger side of a gray 2015 Maserati sedan, according to the diagram.

"After the initial collision [Norton's vehicle] continued to travel in a southwesterly direction towards the outside shoulder, where its left side collided into the concrete barrier wall and subsequently overturned on its right side," the crash report said. Norton's vehicle "came to final rest on its roof facing southwest."

The crash report said neither drugs or alcohol were suspected in the crash, which occurred around 1:18 a.m.

Thirty-four-year-old Shakir Williams, who was traveling in Norton's pickup, suffered what Florida Highway Patrol described as incapacitating injuries and was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue along with the 22-year-old Norton.

First Round Management, which represents Norton, raised $15,400 through a GoFundMe to help the football player's family with expenses as the NFL offered to pay for all of his medical costs. Norton has undergone three surgeries since the crash, including the amputation of his arm. He needs two more surgeries at minimum before he can proceed with a prosthetic arm.

First Round Management said the NFL's offer to pay Norton's medical expenses came as "great news, but with his career over and no source of income currently, this has put a tremendous amount of financial strain on Kendrick and his family," according to the GoFundMe. "Any continued support is appreciated. Thank you all."

Donors include Timmy Jernigan of the Philadelphia Eagles, Vernon Butler of the Carolina Panthers and American Top Team founder Dan Lambert of mixed martial arts fame.

The driver of the Maserati was identified as 30-year-old Jessie Pena. Neither Pena or his passenger were injured in the crash. The Maserati had only minor damage.

Norton posted his thanks on social media.

"First off I want to say thank you God for life and to those people that took off their clothes in the middle of the road to save me, thank you," he penned. "I will also be starting my own blood drives and events coming soon."

Norton played college football for the University of Miami, where he appeared in 38 games with 84 tackles (45 solo) and five sacks. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection as a junior in 2017 and a third-team All-ACC honoree as a sophomore in 2016.

The Carolina Panthers drafted the 22-year-old Norton 242nd in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Dolphins signed Norton in December 2018 off the Panthers practice squad. He had not yet played in a game.