Rashaan Salaam’s Death Ruled a Suicide

Heisman trophy winner and former NFL player Rashaan Salaam was found dead in a park in Boulder, Colorado, on December 5. He was 42 years old. At the time authorities believed there were no signs of foul play. Now, it has been confirmed.

The Boulder County Coroner’s Office has ruled Salaam’s death a suicide. Salaam died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound to the head. He was found near his girl friend’s car. Salaam also left behind a note.

According to the coroner’s report Salaam had a blood-alcohol concentration of .250 and marijuana in his system. It was also revealed that he had “a history of depression and recent life stressors.” For religious reasons Salaam’s family would not allow the coroner’s office to run additional tests that would determine if Salaam suffered any chronic head trauma. CTE, for example, can only be diagnosed postmortem.

Salaam was laid to rest on December 9 at the Islamic Center of Boulder with over 250 friends, family and fans in attendance.