BOULDER, COLO—Former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam, 42, was found dead Monday, December 5 at a park in Boulder, Colorado, a Boulder Police Department spokeswoman noted.
Salaam’s body was discovered at approximately 8:54 p.m. by a man in the park, who then called authorities. He was pronounced dead at the scene; the cause of death is still under investigation. His mother, Khalada Salaam told USA Today Sports that authorities suspect the death to be a suicide.
“They said they found a note and would share that with us when we get there,” Salaam’s mother said. “It’s just a big trip. That’s all I can say. We just found out this morning, and we’re going to Colorado to take care of him.”
According to police, there is no indication of foul play and no threat to the community.
Salaam won the Heisman Trophy in 1994 while playing at the University of Colorado. He rushed for 2,055 yards and scored a school record 24 touchdowns as the Buffaloes finished 11-1. He became the fourth player in college history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.
The Chicago Bears selected Salaam in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft. He rushed for 1,074 yards and scored 10 touchdowns in his rookie season.
Salaams mother said that the family plans on burying him in Boulder, Colorado because, “he liked it there and was successful there, and he liked the people there.”
