Former Cowboy Marion Barber III died of heat stroke, according to medical report
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Former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber III died of heat stroke, according to a medical report released on Monday.
The Collin County medical examiner's office ruled Barber's death accidental in a report issued to USA Today and other media outlets. Barber was found dead in his Frisco, Texas home on June 1 when police arrived to conduct a welfare check. A Frisco police incident report obtained by USA Today states that officers were called to the scene when a neighbor reported water leaking from Barber's apartment.
Per the medical report, officers arrived to Barber's apartment to find a bathtub faucet running and the thermostat set to 91 degrees. Police also found workout equipment in the apartment.
"Mr. Barber was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions," the coroner wrote in Monday's report.
Barber's father Marion Barber II told the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram in June that his son's body was decomposing when officers arrived, suggesting that he died several days prior to being found. The police report states that Barber's family had not heard from him for six days prior to the discovery of his body.
Barber "was known to have a history of medical problems and mental health concerns," according to the police report. He was taken by police to a hospital for mental health evaluation in 2014, three years after his final season playing in the NFL.
Barber played seven seasons in the NFL, six of them with the Dallas Cowboys. He played his final season in 2011 with the Chicago Bears. A bruising runner, Barber was known for his downhill running style at his peak with the Cowboys. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007 after tallying 1,257 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. He played in college at the University of Minnesota.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III," a Cowboys statement from June 1 reads. "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 II told the Star-Telegram in June that the family would not seek CTE testing on his son's brain.
