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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:18 p.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2008

NFL: Redskins lineman's friend dies in crash on his property

By Jason La Canfora and Matt Zapotosky
The Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Washington Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels released a statement through his agent today, expressing his sorrow after a friend of the family died in an all-terrain vehicle accident on his Southern Maryland property over the weekend. Samuels, according to police, was at the house at the time.

Lashana Nicole Wilson, a lifelong friend of Samuels' girlfriend, was fatally injured Saturday when she lost control of an ATV and struck a tree. Wilson, 24, was visiting the residence and was not wearing a helmet, according to Charles County Sherriff's officers, who responded to the scene.

"Monique and I are devastated about the loss of our dear friend, Lashana Wilson," Samuels said in the statement. "Lashana and Monique have been friends since childhood and over the past couple of years, I was fortunate to get to know her as well. She was an exemplary person in every way. This is a very difficult time for all of us. Our deepest condolences go out to the Wilson family. They will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers."

Wilson was riding on a paved driveway when the accident occurred. She was flown to a hospital from the scene and died the following day, according to police reports. Samuels and the Redskins Wednesday traveled to New Jersey for tonight's opener against the New York Giants, and he was not available for further comment.

The Redskins organization declined comment and referred all questions to Samuels' agent, Jimmy Sexton.