Tragedy struck the NFL world on Thursday morning, with news that Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away at 24 years old.
“According to a spokesman for the Plano Police Department, officers responded to ‘a welfare concern’ at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday night. They did not make contact with anyone at the residence,” Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram wrote.
An official statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety was released determining the cause of death after news of Kneeland’s death went public.
MORE: Former Cowboys DC shares feelings on Marshawn Kneeland’s tragic death
The cause of death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
“Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd,” a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety read. “The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit with DPS Troopers. However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated.
“The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. DPS Aircraft and Troopers, along with the Frisco Police Department, searched the immediate area and found the driver, Marshawn Kneeland, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
MORE: Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland scored first-career TD in final game Monday night
Our deepest condolences go out to Kneeland’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
In his final game, a Week 9 Monday Night Football clash against the Arizona Cardinals, Kneeland recovered a blocked punt in the endzone for a touchdown. It was the first touchdown of his career.
Editors’ note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland walks off the field after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
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