Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland texted his friends goodbye before he died by suicide on Thursday (Nov. 6), according to police dispatch audio.
In the audio obtained by CBS News, a police dispatcher can be heard explaining that officers went to an apartment in Plano, Texas, for reasons associated with Kneeland, who’d reportedly previously “expressed suicidal ideations” prior to his death.
"We're getting a call from a friend of the resident, they just received a text from him, a group text, from him saying goodbye. They are concerned for his welfare," the dispatcher said.
Around 11 p.m. that night, Plano’s police department received a request from the Frisco police department to help locate the driver of a vehicle who crashed on the Dallas Parkway, and the vehicle was found to be tied to Kneeland’s apartment.
Frisco police found Kneeland at 1:31 a.m. after searching the nearby area. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Shortly after his death, Kneeland’s family posted a joint statement about their loss.
“We are devastated by this tremendous loss and are still processing the depth of our grief,” reads the statement posted on Facebook. “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.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from friends, fans, and the community,” the statement concluded. “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy as we come together as a family to honor and remember Marshawn’s life and legacy.”
On the weekend after his death, the NFL asked all of its teams to hold a moment of silence for Kneeland.
In the Cowboys locker room, players came together to create a makeshift memorial in front of his locker. Cornerback Josh Butler posted a picture of flowers that were placed on Kneeland’s locker room seat, including the caption, “Love you dawg.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for support.