Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing.
The agent of Dallas Cowboys footballer Marshawn Kneeland has published a tribute following the announcement of the star's tragic death aged just 24.
Mr Kneeland died just days after scoring the first touchdown of his career in a match against the Arizona Cardinals on 3 November.
Local authorities have since released additional details about his death, saying that Frisco Police found Mr Kneeland 'with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound' on November 5.
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They added that Collin County Medical Examiner's Office will now work to determine an official cause of death, and that an investigation into the tragedy is ongoing.
Since his death, Mr Kneeland's agent Jon Perzley has shared a heartbreaking statement online.
In the statement posted to social media, Mr Perzley said: "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."
Mr Kneeland's NFL team confirmed the tragic news that he had died in a statement published on 6 November.
"It is with extreme sadness that the Dallas Cowboys share that Marshawn Kneeland tragically passed away this morning," the team said.
"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 NFL has also released a statement saying it is 'deeply saddened by the tragic news'.
The organization said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with his girlfriend Catalina, family, friends and his teammates."
"We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources," the statement concluded.
Mr Kneeland was a defensive lineman originally from Western Michigan, and was selected to play for the Cowboys in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Just two months earlier, Mr Kneeland had also lost his mom, Wendy, to an undisclosed illness.
Speaking of the loss, he told WZZM 13: "I just managed it. She helped me a lot in my younger years getting into football. I always had the dream. I always told her, ‘I’m going to the NFL’ and I made it."
He continued: "She’s still with me. I got this urn of her ashes I carry with me everywhere. I still feel like she’s there watching over me."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Kit Roberts