Story highlights
Doctors are treating pro football player Donte Stallworth for severe burns, his lawyer says
A hot air balloon he was riding in crashed after hitting power lines in Miami
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating
Pro football player Donte Stallworth was in stable condition Sunday after a hot air balloon he was riding in crashed into power lines, his lawyer said.
Doctors at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital were treating Stallworth and a female companion for severe burns, attorney Christopher Lyons said.
Two people, including pro football player Donte Stallworth, were hospitalized Saturday after the hot air balloon they were riding in crashed into power lines in Miami, police said.
“I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes more than you know,” Stallworth said in a Twitter post late Saturday. “I feel lucky to be alive.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash with the help of Miami-Dade police, Detective Roy Rutland said. Video from CNN affiliate WSVN showed the basket (where people stand) upright on a two-lane road, while the envelope (the balloon part) sat some distance nearby.
The California native began his NFL career in 2002 with the New Orleans Saints and most recently played for the New England Patriots. His is currently a free agent.
Drew Rosenhaus, Stallworth’s sports agent, said his client is “in good spirits.”
“He was injured, but will be fine,” said Rosenhaus, adding later that he hopes Stallworth is back playing “in a matter of weeks.” “He will be able to resume his NFL career.”
“He will be able to resume his NFL career,” Rosenhaus said.
Beyond his on-field exploits – from his time at the University of Tennessee to his years playing with the Saints, Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins – Stallworth is known for hitting and killing a construction worker crossing a street in Miami in 2009.
Under a plea agreement, Stallworth was sentenced to 30 days in jail for DUI manslaughter. He also reached an “amicable” settlement with the Reyes family, his lawyer, Lyons, said. The NFL also suspended him for one season.
CNN’s Rick Martin and Greg Botelho contributed to this report.