The pregnant girlfriend of Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman who died by apparent suicide earlier this month, is making an emotional plea to fans.
Catalina Mancera is asking to be sent any sort of “photos and memories” of the second-year player that people may have.
“Hi everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all the love, prayers, and messages that have been sent my way. Your support has meant more to me than I can put into words during such a painful time,” she posted on Facebook this past weekend.
“As I continue honoring Marshawn’s memory, I’m trying to gather as many photos and memories of him as possible. If you have any pictures of Marshawn whether they’re recent, old, funny, or meaningful.”
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Kneeland was found dead from what police called “an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound” in the early hours of Nov. 6 after being involved in a police pursuit in Frisco, Tex.
It was revealed in the days that followed his death that Mancera is pregnant with the couple’s first child — a boy.
“I would truly appreciate it if you could share them with me. Every photo helps me hold onto a piece of him and the beautiful impact he had on all of us.
“Thank you again for your kindness, your prayers, and for keeping my sweet baby in your hearts. It ings me comfort knowing how deeply he was loved.”
Mancera, 22, spoke to the Daily Mail last week about the impact of Kneeland’s shocking death.
“It’s too much,” she told the outlet. “I’m grieving hard right now. It will be a long time before I’ll feel ready to talk at any length.”
Mancera warned officers Kneeland was armed
Frisco police said units responded on Nov. 5 at roughly 10:39 p.m. to assist the Texas Department of Public Safety in locating a vehicle that had “evaded troopers” and was later found “crashed” on the Dallas Parkway.
The statement said that the male subject, later identified as Kneeland, fled from the scene on foot while officers established a perimeter and searched the area using K-9 units and drones.
During the search, police said officers “received information that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.” He was found at 1:31 a.m. “deceased with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.”
In police audio obtained by TMZ, Mancera told the dispatcher that he was “armed” and had a history of mental illness. She also said that the second-year pro had texted his family “goodbye.”
“We’re talking to the girlfriend, she’s trying to call the agent, so we’re trying to get her to call him first but she’s saying he is armed and has a history of mental illness, and her quote was, ‘He will end it all,’” the dispatcher said in an audio clip.
“You all do me a favour: Everybody stay with a buddy, don’t go looking alone, this guy is armed.”
On Monday night, the Cowboys played their first game since Kneeland’s death, taking on the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Members of the team and coaching staff wore shirts with Kneeland’s picture on them as Dallas posted a 33-16 win over the hosts.
At their next home game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 22, there will be a pre-game moment of silence and a video tribute to Kneeland.