24-year old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police reports.
The incident unfolded in Frisco, Texas, after the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Frisco Police began searching for a vehicle that had fled from state troopers during a chase on Wednesday evening, according to ESPN.
Officers later found Kneeland’s car crashed along Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway.
According to police, the football player had fled the scene on foot, prompting a large-scale search involving K-9 units and drones.
As the search continued, dispatchers were alerted that people close to Kneeland had received a farewell text message, raising fears for his safety. This information was captured on public safety radio recordings obtained via Broadcastify.
Roughly three hours later, Kneeland was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound, authorities said.
Prior to the discovery, police dispatch audio obtained by People indicated that Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina, had called 911 expressing concern for his well-being.
“We’re talking to the girlfriend, she’s trying to call the agent, so we’re trying to get her to call him first but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness, and her quote was, ‘He will end it all,” a dispatcher was heard saying.
Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing:
“I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys. Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
The Dallas Cowboys also released a statement shared by ESPN, saying:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”