The shock surrounding the death of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland continues to deepen as those closest to him begin speaking publicly.
According to People, just days after the 24-year-old was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, his girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, revealed she is expecting the couple’s first child.
Mancera confirmed the news in a Facebook post that included a photo of her and Kneeland during happier moments. Her message was brief but devastatingly clear about the loss she’s now carrying: “my sweet baby, words could never express how broken I feel… you’re my everything.”
She ended the tribute by calling him her “beautiful angel,” a phrase that quickly spread across social media as friends began offering support.
Those close to her filled the comments section with encouragement, reminding her that she wasn’t alone. One message read, “love you cat… praying for you and thinking of you so much.” Another noted how deeply the couple cared for one another, writing, “You could see the love you shared so deeply.”
The pregnancy news arrives amid a clearer understanding of the hours before Kneeland’s death. According to police communication logs, Mancera had contacted authorities out of concern for Kneeland’s mental state.
She reportedly told them she feared he might harm himself and that he was armed. Dispatch audio referenced a message Kneeland had sent to relatives—a group text that read like a goodbye. Family members, worried about his safety, also contacted the police.
Kneeland was located in the early morning hours of November 6 in Frisco, Texas, where officers found him near his vehicle. His death came just two days after what should have been a milestone moment: scoring his first NFL touchdown, a highlight that teammates celebrated widely.
The Cowboys organization gathered in person for the first time after the news on November 10. Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas described the meeting as emotionally overwhelming, saying the team needed space to grieve together and acknowledge the impact Kneeland had made in a short time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation, confidential help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org.