Local News
Dallas Cowboys Player Marshawn Kneeland Dies in Crash Following Police Chase
DALLAS, TEXAS — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, 24, has died following a tragic incident that began with a police pursuit late Wednesday night, authorities and team officials confirmed.
According to initial reports, the incident unfolded near Dallas North Tollway North and Keller Springs Road when officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Kneeland.
Instead of pulling over, Kneeland reportedly fled, prompting a police chase.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers eventually terminated the pursuit after losing visual contact with the vehicle.
A short time later, officers located Kneeland’s car, which appeared to have crashed.
After searching the surrounding area with additional units, authorities discovered Kneeland deceased from what investigators described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the sequence of events leading to Kneeland’s death.
The Dallas Cowboys organization released an official statement Thursday morning expressing profound grief over the loss of their player:
“It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning,” the team stated. “Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend, Catalina, and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Kneeland’s death comes midway through his second season in the NFL. He was selected by the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Western Michigan University, where he was known for his exceptional athleticism and leadership.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the moments preceding the pursuit. Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
Authorities have begun identifying the victims of the devastating tornado that struck Union City, Michigan, on Friday afternoon, leaving multiple people dead and causing widespread destruction across several communities in southern Michigan.
A Branch County funeral home confirmed that 65-year-old Penni Jo Guthrie was among the victims killed when the powerful storm swept through Union City.
According to the funeral home, Guthrie died from injuries sustained when the tornado destroyed her home during the storm.
An official obituary has not yet been released, and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Officials say two other people also died in Union City when the suspected EF-3 tornado touched down in the small community.
The National Weather Service reported that the storm produced winds of at least 150 miles per hour, strong enough to level homes and cause catastrophic damage throughout the affected neighborhoods.
Search and recovery crews spent Saturday combing through debris fields, assisting residents in locating belongings, and beginning the long cleanup process.
Union City emergency management officials said operations have now shifted from active rescue efforts to recovery, as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the destruction.
Among those affected by the storm was Scott Johnson, a former Bellevue resident. According to reports from friends and community members, Johnson lost his wife, Keri Johnson, along with their home and nearly all of their personal belongings when the tornado tore through the Union Lake area outside Union City.
The severe weather outbreak also caused tragedy in Cass County, where a tornado resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy from the Edwardsburg area.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as Silas Anderson.
Sheriff Clint Roach said the Cass County Central Dispatch received a 911 call around 3:12 p.m. on March 6 reporting that a possible tornado had touched down in the 68000 block of Conrad Road, north of U.S. 12 in Edwardsburg, within Milton Township. The caller reported that their son was missing following the storm.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they located Silas Anderson, and his parents were already attempting to provide first aid.
The boy was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Officials said Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
“It is with a heavy heart that we report that a young man from the Edwardsburg area has lost his life in a weather-related incident,” Sheriff Roach said in a statement, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they cope with the tragedy.
Severe weather also impacted St. Joseph County, where another tornado was reported in the Three Rivers area.
The storm caused significant structural damage, including ripping the roof off a Menards store. Video captured by residents shows the tornado scattering debris into the air and tearing apart nearby storage facilities.
In response to the widespread damage and loss of life, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, announced Saturday morning that she intends to declare a state of emergency for Branch County, Cass County, and St. Joseph County.
State and local officials continue to evaluate the damage while emergency crews work to assist residents, clear debris, and restore essential services in the communities affected by the powerful storm system.