Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland crashed his car into a pickup truck before abandoning it and seemingly taking his own life early Thursday morning, November 6, the Dallas Morning Newsreported.
Kneeland's car was found in a field adjacent to the southbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway access road, according to the outlet. The driver of the truck was not injured.
The Texas Department of Public Safety shed some light on the timeline of events that led to Kneeland's death at age 24, saying that troopers began pursuing him in his vehicle at 10:33 p.m. local time. After losing sight of Kneeland's car, Frisco police responded to a request for help at 10:39.
While it is still unknown when exactly the crash occurred, his car was found approximately 10 miles from where the pursuit began. It was also less than a mile away from the Cowboys' headquarters and practice facility.
Police announced on Thursday that Kneeland died by apparent suicide.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the Cowboys wrote in a statement on Thursday. "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Police dispatch audio revealed that Catalina had called 9-1-1 Wednesday night to tell authorities that Kneeland was armed and had expressed "suicidal ideations." He also reportedly texted his family group chat earlier in the evening to tell them goodbye.
"The Kneeland family can confirm the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Marshawn Kneeland," read a statement from Kneeland's family posted via Facebook on Thursday. "We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief. As Marshawn was making his mark on the football field with the Dallas Cowboys, he held an even more special place off the field - as a devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and friend."
The statement continued, "He was kind, determined, humble and full of love," His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans and the community. During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn's life and legacy."
Just days before his death, Kneeland scored his first career touchdown, recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during the Cowboys' loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday Night Football.
A second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan, Kneeland had recently spoken to one of his college coaches, who congratulated him on the touchdown.
"My heart aches as that will be the last conversation that we have together," former Western Michigan defensive coordinator Lou Esposito said in a statement on Thursday. "It's hard to put into words how much Marshawn means to me and my family. He was family to us and we have so many fond memories of our time together."
Esposito, who is now the defensive line coach for the University of Michigan, added, "My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his girlfriend, Catalina. May Marshawn rest in heaven with his beloved mother."
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