Broncos WR Takes Own Life

[TTN2810]

FOX 31 - KDVR

DENVER - Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley was found dead from an apparent suicide Monday afternoon, officials have confirmed.

The body of McKinley, 23, was found in his Aurora residence.

Officials say at about 3:25 p.m. on Monday, deputies responded to a home in the 16800 block of East Caley Place to investigate a report of a possible suicide.

Deputies discovered a deceased male in the second floor master bedroom of the home who was later identified as McKinley.

Fox31 News video from the scene of Kenny McKinley's death show Broncos WR Jabar Gaffney and LB Jarvis Moss standing outside in shock.

"Although the death of McKinley appears to be the result of a self inflicted gunshot, the investigation into this matter, conducted by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office and the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office, is on-going, " Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said.

FOX31's Josina Anderson was the first to report the news.

"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," President and CEO Pat Bowlen said on the Broncos' official website. "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."

McKinley's agent, Andrew Bondarowicz, told Fox31News that to his understanding McKinley was in the Atlanta area to visit his family and flew back to Denver Sunday night.

"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," Head Coach Josh McDaniels said in a statement on the Broncos' official website. "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, a fifth round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, had struggled to stay healthy during his two years with the Broncos. Limited to kick returns, he was placed on injury reserve with a knee injury in 2009.

He was also placed on injury reserve prior to the start of the 2010 regular season.

McKinley is the third Broncos player to die a sudden death in the past four years. On New Year's Day 2007, cornerback Darrent Williams was killed in a drive-by shooting in downtown Denver. In Feb. 2007, running back Damien Nash, 24, collapsed and died during a charity basketball game.

McKinley, who was born in Baker, Louisana was a standout player at South Carolina and climbed into the SEC record books with 207 receptions -- the third-most in conference history, according to NFL.com. He also became just the 12th player in league history to collect more than 2,700 receiving yards.

More info on Kenny McKinley: http://www.nfl.com/players/kennymckinley/careerstats?id=MCK403564

http://www.kdvr.com/news/kdvr-broncos-mckinley-death-txt,0,3972716.story

That's horrible. RIP.

 

[DannyColtsBro]

RIP Another dead Broncos player that's horrible news.

 

[TTN2810]

Yeah no kidding, that team is cursed or something. Darrent Williams, Damien Nash, and now Kenny McKinley all since 2007.

 

[DJT]

Hmmmm a guy with a smile and personality that can light up a room doesn't seem like a person who would kill themselves. Poor fella.

RIP

 

[RipCity32]

RIP, certainly very sad to hear.