New England Patriots star David Patten, 47, dies in motorcycle crash near his South Carolina home

New England Patriots star David Patten has died at the age of 47 in a motorcycle crash outside near home in South Carolina

New England Patriots star David Patten has died at the age of 47 in a motorcycle crash outside near home in South Carolina. 

Police say Patten was on his bike on Thursday when he crashed it through a median in his hometown of Columbia. 

He caused two other cars to crash.

The driver of one of those vehicles has been taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries. 

Patten was a wide receiver for the Patriots between 2001 and 2004, winning three Super Bowls with the team. 

Among those to pay tribute to him on Friday was Patriots owner Robert Kraft. 

‘I am heartbroken by the news of David’s passing.  

‘He was a devout Christian who followed his passion following his football career and founded his own ministry. David transitioned from an undersized and understated wide receiver to a powerful and passionate preacher. 

Patten showing off one of his Super Bowl rings. He helped the Patriots win three times 

Patten was a wide receiver for the Patriots between 2001 and 2004, winning three Super Bowls with the team

Drew Bledsoe, right, David Patten, center, and Tom Brady, left, at Ralph Wilson Stadium in 2002

‘In New England, he will always be remembered as a three-time Super Bowl Champion.

‘His touchdown reception in the AFC Championship game at Pittsburgh propelled the Patriots to Super Bowl XXXVI and I’ll never forget his remarkable catch in the back of the end zone in that game. 

‘It was our only offensive touchdown in the Super Bowl and secured our first championship in franchise history.

‘Our sincerest sympathies are with his wife, Galiena, his family and all who are mourning David’s tragic and untimely death,’ Kraft said. 

Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick said: ‘It breaks my heart to hear of David’s tragic passing at such a young age. 

Patten is survived by his wife, Galiena. The couple had at least two children together. He is shown with his son (left) and daughter (right)

‘I am grateful to have coached David. He is an essential person and player in Patriots history, without whom we would not have been Super Bowl champions. 

‘I especially appreciate David for his professional journey.

‘As much as anyone, David epitomized the unheralded, self-made player who defied enormous odds to not only earn a job in the NFL but to become a key player on multiple championship teams.

‘I can speak for anyone who had the pleasure to be around David that his work ethic, positive energy and character were elite. 

‘My deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.’ 

Patten is shown, right, in a recent photograph from his Facebook page. After retiring from football, he founded his own Christian ministry