Content warning: This story touches on themes of suicide and suicidal ideation.
Marshawn Kneeland, the defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, had a final message for his loved ones. Shortly before his body was found in Texas on November 6 from an apparent suicide, he reached out to his family through a text message, according to local officials. "They just received a group text from him saying goodbye," the police said in a dispatch audio reviewed by People. "They're concerned for his welfare."
A dispatcher on the call also relayed to authorities that Marshawn's girlfriend, Catalina, had told officers that the 24-year-old had "a history of mental illness." "Her quote was," the dispatcher said, "'He will end it all.'"
Marshawn's body was found hours after he had been involved in a car chase with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers, per the agency. Texas DPS said the NFL player "refused to stop" when troopers attempted to reach him over a traffic violation on the night of November 5. "However, DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, and the pursuit was terminated," Texas TPS noted in a November 6 news release. "The vehicle was later located abandoned and had been involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway."
In the early morning hours of November 6, Texas DPS troopers and Frisco Police Department officers located Marshawn's body in the "immediate area" of the abandoned car, according to authorities. An official cause of death is pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office.
Marshawn's family released a statement mourning the athlete in the wake of his death, calling his passing a "tremendous loss." "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," his family—including his siblings AJ Kneeland, Shawn Kneeland, and Yahmya Kneeland—shared on Facebook November 6. "His light shone brightly in every life he touched, and his spirit will continue to live on through the countless hearts he inspired."
