🕯️ HEARTBREAK IN DALLAS: The NFL community is reeling after Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland was found dead at just 24 years old following a police pursuit. Authorities are investigating a possible suicide, while teammates and fans flood social media with tributes, remembering his energy, smile, and unshakable spirit that once lit up the locker room.

Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died Thursday morning at age 24, the team said in a statement.

Police are investigating the incident as apparent death by suicide.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says that at 10:33 p.m. local time Wednesday, troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, but the driver refused to halt and a pursuit began.

The pursuit was quickly terminated after troopers lost sight of the vehicle, Texas DPS said.

The Frisco Police Department said Thursday that its officers responded to a call at 10:39 p.m. to assist the Texas DPS in locating the vehicle.

A wrecked vehicle was located “minutes later,” crashed on Dallas Parkway in Frisco, Texas, police say. Initial reports indicate that a male subject, later identified as Kneeland, fled the scene on foot.

Officers then began searching the area with K-9 and drone units, according to Frisco police.

In dispatch audio obtained by CNN from Broadcastify of the local police response, law enforcement can be heard talking about police having been in touch with Kneeland’s girlfriend.

“We’re talking to the girlfriend. She’s trying to call his agent but we’re trying to get her to call him first. But she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness and her quote was ‘he will end it all.’”

Police in Plano, Texas, where Kneeland resided, say they received a call approximately an hour later to perform a welfare check at “an address associated with Mr. Kneeland,” but made no contact at the residence.

Also heard in the dispatch audio was a mention that the NFL had been in touch with authorities while the search for the football player continued. “We have a lieutenant calling in from Plano advising that the NFL is calling Plano PD and the subject is texting his family goodbye.”

CNN has reached out to the league for comment about the alleged interaction with police.

Frisco police say officers were informed that Kneeland “had expressed suicidal ideations” and “was later located at 1:31 a.m., deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death, per Frisco PD.

The Cowboys released a statement Thursday morning which read: “It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning. Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization. Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family,” the Cowboys said in a statement.

Kneeland appeared in seven games for Dallas this season, making 12 tackles and recording one sack. Kneeland scored his first career touchdown in the Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night after recovering a blocked punt in the end zone.

The second-round draft pick from 2024 was playing in his second season with the Cowboys after playing for Western Michigan University.

The school’s head coach, Lance Taylor, called Kneeland a “remarkable young man who meant so much to our program and to me personally.”

Taylor continued: “His leadership, energy, and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football. His passion for life and his teammates were unmatched.”

Dallas Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland dead at age 24. Police investigating possible death by suicide after evading pursuit — Marshawn Kneeland (left) of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the quarterback during a game against the Washington Commanders in January. – Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Kneeland’s agent, Jonathan Perzley, posted a statement on Instagram stating, “I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night. I watched him fight his way from a hopeful kid at Western Michigan with a dream to being a respected professional for the Dallas Cowboys.

“Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice, and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit, and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words. My heart aches for his family, his teammates, and everyone who loved him, and I hope they feel the support of the entire football community during this unimaginable time. I ask that you please give his loved ones the privacy and compassion they need as they grieve this tremendous loss.”

The NFL said on social media it is “deeply saddened by the tragic news.”

This story has been updated with additional information.

CNN’s Dana O’Neil, Taylor Galgano, Caroll Alvarado and David Close contributed to this report.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health matters. Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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