by: Grant Grubbs 6 hours ago grant_grubbs_
On Thursday morning, the Dallas Cowboys announced the death of defensive end Marshawn Kneeland . He was 24 years old. Since the initial announcement, further details about Kneeland’s passing have gradually emerged, including his cause of death.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram ‘s Nick Harris first reported police officers responded to “a welfare concern” at Marshawn Kneeland’s residence at 11:40 p.m. CT on Wednesday night. However, they did not make contact with anyone at the residence.
Later on Thursday, Harris revealed Kneeland’s death was caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement on Kneeland’s cause of death.
“Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd,” the statement 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, 24 YOA, Marshawn Kneeland, of Plano, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
TMZ separately reported it had obtained dispatch audio from the Plano Police Department. Kneeland had reportedly messaged his girlfriend a goodbye message, leading to a search for the DE. Kneeland’s girlfriend also reportedly said Kneeland was armed. Per TMZ , she was quoted as saying he “would end it all.”
The NFL also allegedly reached out to the Plano PD, requesting their help in checking on Kneeland, who was “texting his family goodbye.” TMZ wrote the Plano PD used dogs, drones and other extensive measures in its search for Kneeland. The Frisco Police Department confirmed TMZ’s reporting with a statement addressing its aid in the search for Kneeland.