49er tight end suffers Super Bowl tragedy

It’s already been a tough week for the 49ers, falling just short of winning their sixth Super Bowl title.

But any loss pales in comparison to a real-life tragedy affecting the team.

Hours after the Super Bowl ended Monday morning, the aunt and uncle of 49ers tight end Delanie Walker, Alice and Bryan Young, had pulled to the shoulder of I-10 in St. Charles Parish just outside of New Orleans. Their 2012 Nissan Altima was struck by a speeding 2002 Mercedes Benz C230.

Following the impact at around 5:30 AM, both cars caught fire. The suspect who caused the wreck was able to escape with minor injuries, but when the fire was extinguished, the Youngs were discovered in their vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

26-year old Nechole Thomas, of Houston was arrested on two counts of vehicular homicide, DWI and reckless operation of a vehicle, authorities said.

Walker used Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to report the sad news.

Alice and bryan young my aunt and uncle was killed on Monday at 5 am after the super bowl by a drunk… http://t.co/E4WRalId

— Delanie Walker (@delaniewalker82) February 6, 2013

He also posted two photos of himself with his Aunt and Uncle.

Teammates and owner Jed York posted their condolences  on Twitter:

@Dwalk46 sorry homie. Will keep you and your fam in my prayers.

— Jonathan Goodwin (@Jongoody76) February 6, 2013

@Dwalk46 keeping you in our prayers homie #staystrong#GOD1000

— Tarell Brown25 (@TarellBrown25) February 6, 2013

Thoughts & prayers go out to @Dwalk46 We are praying for you and your family

— Jed York (@JedYork) February 6, 2013

Walker just completed his seventh season with the 49ers. He had three receptions for 48 yards in Super Bowl XLVII, won by the Ravens, 34-31.