Medical examiner: Marion Barber III died of heat stroke in Texas home
Dallas Cowboys running back Marion Barber (24) runs in for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of an NFL football game Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)
Former Minnesota Gopher running back Marion Barber III’s death has been attributed to an accidental heat stroke, authorities in Texas said.
The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office released the report on Barber’s death Monday. Police found Barber dead in his Frisco, Texas, apartment during a welfare check on June 1. He was 38 years old.
A memorial scholarship fund in Barber’s name was set up for the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development, with funds going to those in financial need, those with underrepresented identities, or those who have overcome obstacles to achieve their educational goals.
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Barber graduated from Wayzata High School in 2001 and proceeded to become one of the greatest Gophers running backs of all time. He and fellow Gopher Laurence Maroney were the first Division 1 teammates to each rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Barber in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He scored 24 touchdowns in 2006-07 despite starting just one game those two seasons.
Barber had a career-high 975 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in 2007 when he made his only Pro Bowl. His final season with the Cowboys came in 2010.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.