NFL Player Marquise Hill Drowns Over Memorial Day Weekend

Hill and a female companion were riding Sunday night. The pair, who were not wearing life jackets, fell off the jet ski about 9 pm. The woman, who held on to a pylon to stay afloat, was rescued by a nearby boat. While the rescuers had Hill in sight, he disappeared in the waters. Search teams found his body approximately a quarter of mile from the accident scene on Memorial Day.

Hill's fiancee, Inell Benn and Patriots team mate, Randall Gay were among friends waiting as the Coast Guard came in Sunday night with helicopters and boats in attempts to rescue Hill. Gay, also a former LSU team mate, drove to New Orleans on Monday to monitor the search after hearing about the accident.

"Right now's a terrible time. I don't know what to feel right now," stated Hill's intended bride to be.

Jarvis Green, a fellow Louisiana native, former LSU player and Patriots team mate stated, "I lost a brother, man. He was a funny guy. ... He'd just sit there and talk to you, say some funny things off his head that'd make you laugh. He was good to be around"

Chosen in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft, Hill played for the New England Patriots for 3 seasons. The Louisiana native was a former LSU player. Hill frequently made trips to New Orleans to help the clean up efforts after Hurricane Katrina.

"From what I hear, he's done a lot to help with things after Katrina and I know he had a great passion for the city of New Orleans," said former LSU quarterback Matt Mauck, who was Hill's teammate at LSU, according to the Associated Press. "Off field he was a really kind person, kind of like a gentle giant. And not only for LSU, but for New England and everyone who got a chance to meet him throughout his life, everyone has to be extremely saddened and disappointed to hear the news."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick gave a statement regarding Hill, "We have suffered a stunning and tragic loss. Marquise will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring young man who established himself as one of the year-round daily fixtures of our team. I send my deepest condolences to the Hill family."

"We are absolutely heartbroken. Marquise was a very respectful young man who worked hard to improve and was always eager to contribute to the team, both on the field and in the community,'' stated Robert Kraft, owner of the Patriot's organization.