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Benson driving at 'high rate' of speed before fatal crash

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Police said Monday they are still investigating the weekend motorcycle crash that killed former Texas Longhorns running back and NFL player Cedric Benson and a woman passenger.

According to police, witnesses said Benson was driving his BMW motorcycle at a high rate of speed through a curving, hilly section of the city Saturday night when he collided with a van that was attempting a left turn.

Police said a passenger in the van and a bystander attempted to help Benson, 36, and his passenger, 27-year-old Aamna Najam. Both died at the scene.

Police said the van driver is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed.

Benson is the second-leading rusher in Texas history with 5,540 yards. He was drafted No. 4 overall by Chicago in 2005 and played eight seasons in the NFL with the Bears, the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers.

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This story has been updated to correct Najam's age to 27

FILE - In this April 23, 2005 file photo Cedric Benson, a running back from Texas, talks to the media after he was chosen the first pick of the Chicago Bears, the fourth overall, at the 2005 NFL draft in New York. Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and University of Texas history, has died in a motorcycle accident in Texas, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. He was 36. (AP Photo/Adam Rountree, file) The Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2004 file photo Texas running back Cedric Benson is shown in the bench area during the fourth quarter of his team's 56-35 victory over Oklahoma State in Austin, Texas. Benson, one of the most prolific rushers in NCAA and University of Texas history, has died in a motorcycle accident in Texas, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. He was 36. (AP Photo/Harry Cabluck, file) The Associated Press
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