Houston Oilers defensive tackle Jeff Alm apparently killed himself with a shotgun early today moments after wrecking his car and killing a passenger in the vehicle, authorities said.
Alm and Sean P. Lynch, both 25, were found dead at the scene of the early morning wreck along Interstate 610 in Houston, said Cecil Wingo, chief investigator with the Harris County medical examiner's office.Alm apparently died of a gunshot wound to the head, Wingo said. He added that Lynch apparently died from injuries in the crash. Both men were from Orland Park, Ill.
Police spokesman Alvin Wright said the accident occurred about 2:45 a.m. today. He said vehicle apparently was speeding and lost control on a freeway exit ramp.
The car struck both guardrails, ejecting and killing Lynch, Wright said.
"The driver of the vehicle apparently was despondent and shot himself," Wright said. A shotgun was found near the body, he said.
"We're all very shocked," said Oilers spokesman Chip Namias. "Right now the main thing is Jeff's family, who are obviously feeling a very tremendous sense of grief. We're just all shocked. Jeff was a great guy."
Alm, a second team All-American at Notre Dame, was the Oilers' second-round draft pick in 1990.
He missed the early part of this season during a contract dispute and broke his leg shortly after returning to the lineup. Namias said he had recovered from the injury and was preparing to return at the time of his death.
"He had told me either Sunday or yesterday that he had been cleared to practice and he was going to practice," Namias said. "He had just turned the corner on the way to come back."
Alm played in 14 games last season and had 35 tackles, one sack and two forced fumbles. He had 133 tackles and four interceptions in four years at Notre Dame, including 74 tackles as a senior.