ESPN College Football

LOS ANGELES -- Former UCLA cornerback Marcus Cassel, a four-year letterman for the Bruins, died Friday from injuries sustained in an automobile accident earlier in the day.

Cassel was involved in a one-car accident in Santa Monica around 5:15 a.m., according to a statement his parents, Clyde and Joletta Cassel, issued through the university. Cassel was transported to the UCLA Medical Center, where he died shortly after 9:30 a.m. with his parents at his side.

"This is a tragic loss for Marcus' family and our football program," UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said. "No words can express the sorrow we feel at his passing."

The 23-year-old Cassel, who was on the Carolina Panthers' injured reserve list, played for the Bruins from 2002-05 after redshirting in 2001. He started all 12 games as a senior last year, helping the Bruins to a 10-2 record and earning a degree in March.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press