Former NFL Player James Hardy III Found Dead

Photo Credit: Twitter/New York Daily News Sports

Former NFL wide receiver James Hardy III was found dead in an Indiana river. He was 31 years old.

The Allen County Coroner’s Officer confirmed that the star’s body was identified Thursday afternoon after being found in a logjam on the Maumee river. Fort Wayne police officers were alerted to the scene at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday when a water treatment employee noticed a foul smell emanating from the area and then spotted James’ body at the base of the dam.

James played football for Indiana University, and was then drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2008. After playing with the team for two years, he then signed with the Baltimore Ravens. The athlete suffered from hamstring issues, though, and was released that same season.

After leaving the NFL, James was arrested in Los Angeles in 2014 for attacking police officers. He was found incompetent to stand trial and was taken to a mental facility instead.

 The Coroner’s Office told Rolling Stone that James’ family had reported him missing weeks ago, and that the autopsy has been completed. Investigation continues to determine his cause of death.

Rest in peace, James.