Broncos’ WR Kenny McKinley Dead In Apparent Suicide

Added on Sep 21, 2010 by Jason Kearney in

NFL

Horrible news this morning out of Denver–Broncos wide receiver and former University of South Carolina Gamecocks’ standout Kenny McKinley was found dead in his home late Monday afternoon. The 23 year old McKinley was found dead in his master bedroom of an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. A women described as a ‘female friend’ of McKinley discovered the body upon returning from an errand with his child.

McKinley was a dynamic wide receiver during his college days at South Carolina, and is still the Gamecocks’ all-time leading receiver with 207 catches for 2,781 yards. He was drafted by Denver in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL draft and showed a good deal of promise in his rookie year where he was used primarily on kick returns. His progress had been slowed by repeated knee injuries and McKinley was on the IR list at the time of his death. Authorities declined to say if they had a suicide note or other motive for his death.

Team owner Pat Bowlen released the following statement:

“Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley. He was part of the Broncos’ family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny’s family and friends.”

Head coach Josh McDaniels will address the media on Tuesday, but released this statement:

“Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great teammate whose smile and personality could light up the room. This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

McKinley’s agent Andrew Bondarowicz said that while his client was unhappy with being on the injured reserve list he had no inkling that something this serious was wrong:

“Kenny was a pretty easy-going guy. I do know that being on the injured reserve was hard on him and it weighed on him … but there was nothing to suggest anything like this. It’s a shock that caught us by surprise.”

Also expressing shock and grief was McKinley’s college coach, Steve Spurrier, who recalled his last visit with him just this past weekend. McKinley was in Columbia for South Carolina’s victory over the University of Georgia:

“It’s hard to comprehend. Kenny was one of my favorite all-time players. … Wonderful guy. It’s hard to figure how or why it happened.

“It’s a sad day, a sad day.”

McKinley’s death is front page news in Columbia, SC today–he was an especially popular player in a football crazy community. McKinley is survived by his young son.

Steve Spurrier talks about Kenny McKinley’s death (video)

Gamecock great Kenny McKinley found dead (GoGamecocks.com)

Broncos McKinley dead at 23 (Denver Post)