Cowboys' Kneeland dies from suspected suicide after police pursuit
by Alex Butler · UPINov. 6 (UPI) -- Dallas Cowboys defender Marshawn Kneeland was found dead after a police vehicle pursuit Thursday in Frisco, Texas, the Frisco Police Department announced. He was 24.
Police said Kneeland was found dead, with an "apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound," at about 1:31 a.m. local time. An investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
"I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night," agent Jonathan Perzley of Sportsstars said in a statement. "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. My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss."
The Frisco Police Department responded to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety at about 10:39 p.m. Wednesday to locate a vehicle that evaded troopers in a pursuit, which entered Frisco.
Troopers temporarily lost visual of the vehicle before finding it crashed on southbound Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. Police said initial reports indicated that Kneeland fled the scene on foot, resulting in a search of the area, which included the assistance of drones and K-9 units.
"During the course of the search, officers received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations," Frisco police said. "Kneeland was later located at 1:31 a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The cause/manner of death will be determined by the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office."
The Cowboys, who are on bye in Week 10, called Kneeland "a beloved teammate and member of their organization."
Kneeland joined the Cowboys out of Western Michigan as a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 268-pound defensive end appeared in 11 games during his rookie campaign. Kneeland appeared in seven games this season for the Cowboys.
He logged his first career sack in the Cowboys' Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Kneeland recorded his first career touchdown off an 8-yard return from a blocked punt during the Cowboys' 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
The Cowboys will return to the field for a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 17 in Las Vegas.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland," the NFL said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates.
"We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources."
If you or someone you know is suicidal, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
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Former Vice President Dick Cheney speaks during an event commemorating the centennial of President Ronald Reagan's birth at the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, Calif., on February 5, 2011. Cheney, a staunch Republican who served as the 46th vice president under George W. Bush, died at the age of 84 on November 3. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo