The cause of death for former Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam has been ruled as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to an autopsy report from the Boulder (Colo.) County Coroner's Office.
Salaam was found dead on Dec. 5 near the University of Colorado, where he was a star running back who was later selected in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. The autopsy report noted Salaam struggled with depression, and a note was left at the scene, according to The Associated Press.
Salaam, who was 42, will be honored by the Buffaloes during their game against Oklahoma State in the Alamo Bowl on Thursday night (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) with a decal on each helmet displaying his initials:
"Our guys walk by his trophy every day," Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said, per the Denver Post. "There's flowers around it now, and it's something we notice every single day. I didn't know him real well. I got to know him these last four years. I remember seeing him play as a player, of course, on television. Every time I remember Rashaan, he always had a great smile. He was very, very humble. I really appreciate Rashaan and what he did for the program."
Salaam rushed for 2,055 yards for the Buffaloes in his Heisman-winning season of 1994, with 24 touchdowns, in an 11-1 season. He was named the NFC Rookie of the Year in 1995 after rushing for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns for the Bears.
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