Police dispatch audio obtained Thursday revealed details about what happened before Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland‘s death following a police chase in Frisco.
Kneeland, 24, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound Thursday morning, authorities said.
In an audio recording obtained by The Dallas Morning News on Thursday, police said they were talking with his girlfriend at about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
His girlfriend, who was not identified by police, told police Kneeland was armed, had a history of mental illness, and that “he will end it all,” according to the recording.
Crime in The News
Police said she was trying to contact his agent as they were trying to get her to contact Kneeland, according to the recording.
At about 11:45 p.m., police advised each other to search for Kneeland in pairs and to “be careful” because he was armed.
Around 11:55 p.m., police said they were on the phone with the NFL, which mentioned that Kneeland had already texted his family goodbye, according to the recording.
Here’s what else we know
At about 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on the northbound lanes of the Dallas North Tollway near Keller Springs Blvd, Frisco police said.
The driver refused to stop, resulting in a pursuit where troopers lost sight of the vehicle, which was later located abandoned near the southbound lanes of Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, police said.
Initial reports showed that Kneeland fled the scene on foot, police said. Though the details are unclear, police suspect Kneeland returned to his vehicle for the gun before leaving again, according to the dispatch audio.
Officers established a perimeter and searched the area with the assistance of K-9 and drone units.
DPS troopers, along with Frisco police, found the driver, Kneeland, dead at about 1:31 a.m. Thursday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.
No further details about the incident were immediately available.
Mental Health ResourcesThe Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line: Grant Halliburton Foundation initiative connects North Texans with mental health resources customized to each caller. 972-525-8181 or HereForTexas.com.National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 24-hour crisis hotline at 800-273-8255. Confidential online chat is available at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.Crisis Text Line: To get 24-hour support, text “HOME” to 741741. More information at crisistextline.org.North Texas Behavioral Health Authority: 24-hour crisis hotline. 866-260-8000 or ntbha.org.Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: Speak to a trained counselor on the 24-hour hotline at 214-828-1000, 800-273-8255 or sccenter.org.
Here’s what we know about Dallas Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland’s death
The young player died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound,” according to officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
‘I hurt for Marshawn’: Dak Prescott, other Dallas Cowboys react to teammate’s death
Emmitt Smith and Dez Bryant joined Micah Parsons, Solomon Thomas and others in mourning Marshawn Kneeland.
Watch: Dallas Stars, Denver Broncos among teams to hold moment of silence for Marshawn Kneeland
The fallout from the shocking death of the Cowboys lineman continues to be felt across the sports world.
NFL, NFLPA to boost mental health resources in wake of Marshawn Kneeland’s death
An NFL spokesman said the league is providing additional access to resources for the Cowboys and other players and personnel who knew Kneeland.
Those who knew Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland remember hard worker, infectious smile
Former coaches and associates, stunned by the news of the Cowboys DL’s death, spoke about their time with the 24-year-old Kneeland.