Falcon Rookie Dies in Crash

Ralph Norwood, a rookie tackle for the Atlanta Falcons, was killed in an automobile accident Friday.

Norwood’s car was found near a shopping mall eight miles south of the Falcon training complex in Suwanee, Ga. According to police, Norwood’s car crossed into the oncoming lane, went 40 feet down a slight embankment and slammed into a tree.

Roger DeWitt said Norwood, 23, was alone in the car. He apparently died of massive head and chest injuries.

The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Norwood saw action in all 11 Atlanta games this season, starting once when veteran Mike Kenn was sidelined because of an injury. Norwood, a New Orleans native, is survived by his parents, three sisters, two brothers and a daughter, 2.