Cowboys star Marshawn Kneeland reportedly drove at nearly 150mph before crashing into another car on the night of his death.
The Dallas defensive end died by apparent suicide earlier this month – at the age of 24 – in a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the NFL.
Now it has been reported that a Texas Department of Public Safety officer saw Kneeland speeding at around 10:30pm on November 5.
According to a police report obtained by TMZ, the officer followed him and saw the late NFL star making ‘several unsafe lane changes’ as he passed other cars. Kneeland also allegedly hit ‘speeds higher than 145 miles per hour.’
The officer claims he attempted to pull Kneeland over but the 24-year-old did not comply and, before long, the Dodge Charger disappeared out of view.
According to reports, the police found the car minutes later. It had crashed into another car before stopping in a field but Kneeland was not there.
Marshawn Kneeland was reportedly caught driving at nearly 150mph on the night of his death
Kneeland, pictured with his girlfriend Catalina Mancera, died this month in an apparent suicide
Inside the car, police claim to have found an empty gun holster but no firearm. The authorities then launched a search for Kneeland – including using dogs.
His body was eventually found in a port-a-potty around 1.30am on November 6. He had reportedly suffered a fatal – and self-inflicted – gunshot wound.
The Cowboys star had earlier sent his family a group text saying ‘goodbye’ during the drama involving Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, according to a police audio dispatch.
Kneeland’s girlfriend Catalina had also warned the police that the NFL player had a gun and that she feared he would kill himself.
According to the police report, as revealed by TMZ, Cowboys officials met with police officers at the scene.
Kneeland died barely 48 hours after he scored his first NFL touchdown for the Cowboys. Dallas returned to the field on Monday night and, prior to the game, they honored Kneeland with touching tributes.
During warm-ups, Cowboys players wore custom t-shirts carrying Kneeland’s face. They also had his number, 94, on their helmets, while a moment of silence was held before kickoff.
The Cowboys also reserved a locker for Kneeland at Allegiant Stadium, with his jersey hanging alongside those of his teammates.