Marion Barber’s cause of death revealed after former Dallas Cowboys running back was found dead in his apartment
MARION Barber’s cause of death has been revealed weeks after the former Dallas Cowboys running back was found dead in his apartment.
Police in Texas responded to a welfare concern at Barber’s Frisco apartment on June 1 after someone phoned about a water leak coming from the NFL star’s apartment.
Barber died of heat stroke, according to the Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office.
His death was ruled accidental.
The autopsy report, obtained by USA Today, reveals that police found Barber in his home with the bathtub running, the heat on and thermostat set to 91 degrees, and with exercise equipment out.
“Mr. Barber was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions,” the coroner wrote in the autopsy report.
Family members had not heard from Barber in the six days before he was found, the report revealed.
It was also noted that Barber “was known to have a history of medical problems and mental health concerns,” according to the report.
Officials found Barber “unresponsive” inside his home on June 1.
The former Cowboys running back was only days away from his 39th birthday.
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A Minnesota native, Barber was selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2005 draft. He ran for more than 4,300 yards and had 47 rushing touchdowns in six seasons.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007 after getting a career-high 975 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Cowboys fans affectionately referred to the player as “Marion the Barbarian”.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” the Cowboys said in a statement regarding Barber’s untimely death.
“Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. 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.”
Barber retired from the NFL before the start of the 2012 season, playing his last season with the Chicago Bears.
Tributes to the beloved NFL player flooded Twitter after the news broke, with Barstool Sports tweeting: “RIP Marion Barber.”
Barber’s former head coach Jason Garrett wrote: “I am truly heartbroken to hear the incredibly sad news of Marion Barber’s passing.
“He was a rare guy! Marion played the game with such passion! He had a deep-down love for football and it showed in everything that he did!”
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Barber came from a family of former players – his brothers are former Houston Texans safety Dominique Barber and ex-Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Thomas Barber.
His father is former New York Jets running back Marion Barber Jr, and his cousin, Peyton Barber, is a former running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington Commanders and Las Vegas Raiders.