How Did Tyler Sash Die? Suicide, Overdose Rumors Swirl After Former Iowa Hawkeyes Player Found Dead

Tyler Sash, a former New York Giants and Iowa Hawkeyes safety, died Tuesday, ESPN reported. He was 27.

The Iowa state medical examiner’s officer confirmed the athlete’s death, but did not give a cause. An autopsy will be performed Wednesday, an official said. Funeral arrangements have not been revealed, but they are in the works, University of Iowa said in a statement.

Iowa police responded to a 911 call Tuesday after a man was described as unresponsive. He was ultimately identified as Sash. "Sash's death is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected," the police department said, according to ESPN.

Without a definite cause of death, Twitter users began to speculate that Sash committed suicide. The chatter is unsubstantiated.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz issued a statement about Sash’s untimely death. "We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler," Ferentz said. "It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler's family during this extremely difficult time-- and we want them to know they are not in this alone.”

He added: "The commitment, passion, and excitement that Tyler brought to football and to life will always endear him to Hawkeye coaches, teammates, and fans. He touched our hearts in many ways and will be missed by all of us."

Sash was considered a football great when he played with Iowa. He had 13 interceptions and set a record for the team with 392 interception return years.

He joined the New York Giants in 2011, ESPN wrote. He played in the National Football League for two years, and won a Super Bowl, but was cut from the team in August 2013.

Some of his former teammates took to social media to pay tribute to Sash.

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