Former NFL wide receiver David Patten, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, died Thursday in a motorcycle crash at the age of 47.

The collision occurred in South Carolina, where highway patrol and the coroner are investigating, according to ESPN. South Carolina Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Nick Pye said Patten crossed the median, causing a crash that involved two other vehicles.

"It breaks my heart to hear of David's tragic passing at such a young age," Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said in a statement. "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."

Undrafted out of Western Carolina in 1996, Patten began his career in the Arena Football League. He made his way to the NFL after one season indoors, carving out a spot on the New York Giants in 1997.

Patten went on to play 12 seasons in the NFL, suiting up for the Patriots from 2001-04. He caught Tom Brady's first-ever playoff touchdown in Super Bowl XXXVI, soaring before halftime to haul in a memorable 8-yard strike versus the St. Louis Rams.

Patten also played for the Cleveland Browns (2000), Washington Football Team (2005-06), and New Orleans Saints (2007-08). He spent training camp with the Browns in 2009 and signed with the Patriots again during the 2010 offseason before retiring that July.

"I am heartbroken by the news of David's passing," said Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "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.

"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."