photo courtesy of NFL.com/CBS
Dallas Cowboy running back Marion Barber III was found dead in his Texas home earlier this year; TMZ has reported that, on July 11, the Collin County Medical Examiner confirmed that Barber died from heat stroke, according to the autopsy report retrieved.
At just 38 years old and with a promising career ahead of him, speculations about what led to his death arose during the initial discovery of his body. TMZ initially reported that the thermostat was set at 91 degrees. There was exercise equipment on the scene, and Barber has a “history of exercising during sauna-like conditions.”
The initial report given by the police ruled out evidence of trauma, drug abuse, or sickness and disease, but the autopsy confirmed the actual cause of death.
Police were called to the scene after another tenant in the building called to report water leaking from Barber’s room – when officers arrived, they saw that the bathtub’s faucet was still running. Investigating nearby neighbors and family revealed that no one had seen or heard from Barber for at least six days before his body was discovered. The NFL player had a history of medical and mental health issues.
The Dallas Cowboys posted a statement confirming the loss of Barber on Twitter. A team representative wrote, “We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III. Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win on every down.” The post continued, “He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
According to Web MD, heat stroke “results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures — usually in combination with dehydration — which leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. The medical definition of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 104 F, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, seizures, confusion, disorientation, and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.”
It is most commonly found in elderly people and young, high-level athletes.
The most common cause of heat stroke is an intensive activity in high temperatures, which Barber allegedly enjoyed partaking in.