NFL Player Found Dead: Kenny McKinley Dies of Apparent Suicide
Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley has been found dead in his home Monday in an apparent suicide.
Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said authorities were called to McKinley’s home by a female friend of the player who found his body after returning from an errand with his child. He said detectives believe McKinley, 23, was killed by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He didn’t say if investigators found a suicide note.
“It’s still part of our investigation and probably nothing we’ll talk about right now,” he said.
The Broncos have endured a series of tragedies in recent years.
Cornerback Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting on New Year’s Day 2007 and three months later backup running back Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game in St. Louis, Missouri.
McKinley was a fifth-round draft choice out of South Carolina in 2009. He remains South Carolina’s all-time leading receiver with 207 catches for 2,781 yards. He returned to the school earlier this month, watching the Gamecocks beat Georgia 17-6 and visiting with his college coach, Steve Spurrier.
McKinley was on injured reserve after hurting his left knee in August for the second time in eight months. He was known for his infectious smile and good sense of humor.
“Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley,” Pat Bowlen, owner of the NFL team, said in a statement. “He was part of the Broncos’ family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny’s family and friends.”
The Broncos said coach Josh McDaniels would meet with the media on Tuesday.
