Cowboys Running Back Marion Barber Died Of Heatstroke Authorities Say

Cowboy's Marion Barber in 2007 (Image: Wikimedia)

There have been new developments surrounding the death of former Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber. The cause of death is believed to be heatstroke according to the Collin County office of the medical examiner.

Marion Barber Cause Of Death

Police found Barber dead in his home on June 1 when they conducted a welfare check on his apartment in Frisco, Texas. Barber’s death had been ruled an accident, however, new details show that heatstroke may have been the determining factor.

The autopsy report shows that Barber was found inside a shower without the water running while another shower in the apartment was running. The thermostat was also set to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. “I am of the opinion that Marion Sylvester Barber III, a 38-year-old male, died of heat stroke,” county medical examiner William Rohr said in the report. “Mr. Barber was known to exercise in sauna-like conditions.”

The report also showed traces of diphenhydramine and ethanol within Barber’s bile. The ethanol was most likely the result of decomposition while diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat the common cold. “Diphenhydramine concentration in the bile indicated use of the medication and cannot be related to overuse. Its use is associated with increased risk for heat-related illnesses.” Rohr said.

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Heatstroke is caused by the body overheating, “usually as a result of prolonged exposure, or physical exertion, in high temperatures.” According to Mayo Clinic, it is “the most serious form of heat injury.”

There have been a number of football players who have suffered fatally from heatstroke. In the NFL, NFL offensive lineman Korey Stringer collapsed and died during a Minnesota Viking’s practice. Most recently, sophomore offensive lineman Jordan McNair was hospitalized after struggling during a conditioning test with the University of Maryland football time. He was hospitalized and later died. He was only 19.

As for Barber, he was laid to rest on June 22, as friends, family and former teammates attended a celebration of his life at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Hall of Fame Receiver Terrell Owens was a speaker at the ceremony.