Coroner rules Heisman winner Rashaan Salaam died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head
A coroner ruled Thursday that the death of former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam was a suicide. According to the report by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office in Colorado, Salaam, a former running back at the University of Colorado, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The report, which was obtained by the Denver Post, stated Salaam’s blood alcohol level was 0.25, which is more than three times the legal limit. He also had marijuana in his system at the time of his death.
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A passerby in Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder found Salaam on the night of Dec. 5. Police say at the time foul play was not suspected. Salaam’s mother confirmed to USA Today that her son left a suicide note.
Salaam won the 1994 Heisman in a landslide — 248 votes and 842 points — after rushing for 2,055 yards. At the time, he was just the fourth player in college football history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark. He also won the Doak Walker Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best running back.
The Buffaloes will play Thursday night’s Alamo Bowl against Oklahoma State with helmet decals honoring Salaam.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!
