Fred Small, ex-Husky linebacker, killed in accident

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Fred Small, a former NFL player who was an Inglewood police motorcycle officer, died today of injuries from a three-vehicle collision.

Small, 39, died at Pomona Valley Hospital, said Inglewood police Lt. Mike McBride.

Small's motorcycle and two other cars collided on the Pomona Freeway late Monday.

A 16-year-old girl lost control of her car on the right side of the freeway and it swerved and collided with a car in the lane next to her, and then both cars hit Small's motorcycle, the California Highway Patrol said.

Small sustained major injuries. One of two men in the second car was hospitalized with moderate injuries. The girl and her 16-year-old male passenger were both uninjured, the CHP said.

Small joined the Inglewood police department in 1998 after stints with the Westminster and Los Angeles Community College police departments, officials said.

Small played outside linebacker at the University of Washington from 1981-84 and earned All-Pacific-10 Conference honors in his senior season. He also played on the Huskies' championship teams in the 1982 Rose Bowl and 1985 Orange Bowl.

He was drafted by Pittsburgh in 1985, and played one season with the Steelers.

Born in Los Angeles, his given name was John Frederick Lee Small. He was known as Fred.

Small is survived by his wife and four children.