As the veil of details lifts on the tragic events leading to Marshawn Kneeland's untimely demise, it emerges that the Dallas Cowboys' defensive end met his end in an apparent suicide on the morning of November 6, mere hours after a thrilling car chase in Texas. According to state authorities, Kneeland, 24, had "refused to stop" for Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers during a traffic violation on the evening of November 5.
The DPS's news release, obtained by NBC News, reveals that while DPS Troopers lost sight of the vehicle, ultimately resulting in the termination of the pursuit, the vehicle was later found abandoned and involved in a crash on the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway. In the early hours of November 6, Frisco Police Department officers and Public Safety troopers discovered Kneeland's body after a thorough search of the "immediate area" around the car.
A separate news release from Frisco police adds that during their search for the footballer, they learned that Kneeland had "expressed suicidal ideations." The official cause and manner of death are still pending from the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office, with authorities stressing that "no further details will be released as the investigation remains ongoing." The department offered their heartfelt condolences to the Kneeland family and friends.
Kneeland's death occurred just three days after he scored his first NFL touchdown during a game against the Arizona Cardinals. At that moment, he had recovered a punt blocked by teammate Sam Williams. In a November 6 statement, the Cowboys shared their grief, stating, "Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family."
Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, also paid tribute to the athlete, calling him his "dearest friend." Perzley wrote on Instagram in the aftermath of Kneeland's passing, "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."
