Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley died on Monday. He was 23.
The Arapahoe County sheriff's office confirmed the death to the Denver Post. The team announced it was "deeply saddened" after being informed.
Officials have not confirmed the cause of death. Arapahoe County sheriff Grayson Robinson told the Post that McKinley's death looked like a suicide.
"It was apparently a suicide, but we're still investigating," Robinson told the paper.
Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels remembered McKinley fondly.
"Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great teammate whose smile and personality could light up the room," McDaniels said in a statement. "This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
McKinley was drafted 141st overall in the fifth round in 2009. The Broncos had placed him on injured reserve on Aug. 5 with a knee ailment. He appeared in eight games for the Broncos in 2009 but did not catch any passes.
McKinley is the third Broncos player to die since 2007. On Jan. 1, 2007, Broncos CB Darrent Williams was murdered in a drive-by shooting after leaving a New Year's party. Less than two months later, RB Damien Nash collapsed and died during a charity basketball event.
LIST: McKinley is 10th NFL player to die since 2007
He's the second NFL player to die during 2010. Chicago Bears DE Gaines Adams died in January after falling into cardiac arrest.
The Arapahoe County sheriff's office confirmed the death to the Denver Post. The team announced it was "deeply saddened" after being informed.
Officials have not confirmed the cause of death. Arapahoe County sheriff Grayson Robinson told the Post that McKinley's death looked like a suicide.
"It was apparently a suicide, but we're still investigating," Robinson told the paper.
Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels remembered McKinley fondly.
"Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great teammate whose smile and personality could light up the room," McDaniels said in a statement. "This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
McKinley was drafted 141st overall in the fifth round in 2009. The Broncos had placed him on injured reserve on Aug. 5 with a knee ailment. He appeared in eight games for the Broncos in 2009 but did not catch any passes.
McKinley is the third Broncos player to die since 2007. On Jan. 1, 2007, Broncos CB Darrent Williams was murdered in a drive-by shooting after leaving a New Year's party. Less than two months later, RB Damien Nash collapsed and died during a charity basketball event.
LIST: McKinley is 10th NFL player to die since 2007
He's the second NFL player to die during 2010. Chicago Bears DE Gaines Adams died in January after falling into cardiac arrest.
