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.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.