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Johnathan Aiken, the former defensive back who played in 34 games between the 2011 and 2014 seasons at Rutgers, died in a single car crash in Florida on Friday morning. Keith Sargeant of NJ Advance Media first reported the sad news on Friday afternoon.
Former Rutgers defensive back Johnathan Aiken killed in Florida car crash. Details, including reaction from a few of his former teammates: https://t.co/CQsIE0JbR7 #rutgers
— Keith Sargeant (@KSargeantNJ) June 22, 2018
Aiken was a key contributor for the Rutgers defense during his career and played in three bowl games. He started eight games at free safety during the 2014 season and registered a career high 51 tackles, 47 of which were solo. Aiken became the first Rutgers football player to earn Big Ten Honors for his effort in the season opening win at Washington State, when he produced 7 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection on fourth down to clinch the victory. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for that performance. In his last game at Rutgers, Aiken registered a career high 11 tackles in the Quick Lane Bowl win over North Carolina.
There was plenty that Aiken overcame in his life before ever arriving at Rutgers as a 3-star recruit from Florida. This 2013 profile by Steve Politi details the difficult childhood he overcame, as he found his mother murdered at the age of 3 and lived in foster care for years. The character and perseverance of Aiken was evident during his time at Rutgers and he was well liked by his teammates.
While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, the original report by an ABC affiliate in Florida is here.
Rest in peace, Johnathan Aiken, a loyal son gone far too soon.
Here are social media messages from former teammates and others associated with the program that knew Aiken:
Rest In Peace Aik pic.twitter.com/EmJbK7Je1F
— Sebastian Joseph-Day (@SJD_51) June 22, 2018
R.I.P bro thank you for your great wisdom in my young days at Rutgers . May god bless you. So young and they took you away. Love you bro pic.twitter.com/Nd1BpLPzJx
— Kemoko Turay (@Kturay_58) June 22, 2018
RIP Aik! You were understood and loved by all of your teammates. The odds were always stacked against you. You beat them everyday you showed up to practice and when you finished at Rutgers with that degree! I love you big bro!
— Myles Nash (@mylesOneTwo) June 22, 2018
One of the most amazing days as a parent was getting to stand in for this young mans family during his senior day at Rutgers. Johnathan Aiken was an amazing young man with a very sad story to tell. RIP J.A.!!! We will always love you!!! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/QUbvkoWyKD
— B (@ctsmom3) June 22, 2018
Sickened to hear about the passing of Johnathan Aiken. The things he overcame in life just to have a chance to play college football were remarkable. More than anything, JA always was a joy to be around. Gone far too soon
— Sopan Shah (@SopanShah) June 22, 2018
So sad to hear about Johnathan Aiken. I remember covering him at the Targum like it was yesterday. Always a ray of sunshine. RIP.
— Anthony Hernandez (@anthimnandez) June 22, 2018
I’ll never forget the night at Olde Queen’s when he called me over to the bar as I walked past, recognizing me as “the guy from all the football games”, bought me a drink, and talked with me for a while. So many laughs and good times that night.
— Jim Brockmire (@IAmScottLogan) June 22, 2018
Gone far, far too soon.
Terribly saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former #RFootball player Johnathan Aiken. Thinking of all of his family, friends, and teammates, and sharing in their mourning. #RIPAik pic.twitter.com/rLQRKrdA7D
— Chris Carlin (@ChrisCarlin) June 22, 2018