[2], Cooper was the oldest child of KPNX sportscaster Bruce Cooper and wife Donna. Very Probable. The truth is, Bruce Coopers comments are more about a fathers grief than a serious analysis of what happened on that fishing trip that went horribly wrong. The rumors doubting the victims insocsistent story persisted to this day and thus the reason for the book is to clear his own name. This whole story was nothing but a big crock of bull.. The report concluded the following:[11], The conclusions were accompanied by additional details from the Schuyler interviews. I live it every day . Retired San Francisco 49ers player Greg Clark has died unexpectedly at the age of 49. Has an NFL player ever died from a hit? Everyone really comes together in times like these.". Anyone who claims there is something wrong with writing a book and telling a survival story and making money off it is an idiot People do it all the time. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He said he was reunited with his girlfriend and "seemed quite happy.". Register now! Unitl then you ought to shut up abuot a subject you obviously know nothing about . Each player is listed with the team to which he was assigned at the time of his death, rather than the team with which he spent most of his career. More than two years after Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper was lost at sea along with friends and fellow football players Corey Smith and Will Bleakley, Cooper's dad is saying he doesn't believe the only survivor's account of what happened. He would not be given the chance to write this book had Cooper and Corey Smiths deaths not made this story national news. its a sad story and i think its disrespectful he would write a book about it in the first place. I feel Mr. Coppers pain . Twitter A college football player in Virginia has died after suddenly collapsing during practice on Sunday. I doubt it truly honors his sons wishes. Everything started from the own goal he scored in World Cup 1994: In a match against USA while trying to cut off a pass, the defender netted an own goal that led . September 21, 2017. The publisher was going to move forward with the project with or without Schuyler so he decided to jump on board. That man said his life jacket was too tight and he took it off, Schuyler told the Coast Guard. Because theyre normal. "This guy is very tough mentally. I truly feel for him and his family, butwhat an idiot. [7], The search for the three missing men was called off by the Coast Guard, but friends and relatives organized their own search. Schuyler also told him he even saw lights beaming from ashore. "I shouldn't be here," Robert Konrad, 38, who played for the Miami Dolphins from 1999 to 2004, told reporters today when describing his approximately 16 hours in the water. Click here for more on this story from MyFOXTampaBay.com. Rescuers combed more than 24,000 miles of ocean before calling off their search Tuesday for Cooper, free-agent defensive lineman Smith and former South Florida player Bleakley. The cadet, identified as Hunter Brown of Lake . The cause of his death was unknown as of Friday. I do feel like the people of the area will relate and appreciate someone from the area.. Out-of-shape moms who have experienced the pain of childbirth are sometimes able to withstand the greatest punishment while buff, well-muscled aviators give up quickly. While he had the chance to attend Arizona State University as his grandfather worked in the universitys athletic department, Cooper decided instead to take his talents to the University of Washington in 2000 and transitioned to linebacker. "The waves were just so much. Celebrity Deaths in 2021: Stars We've Lost "We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing. How did one man -- a former college player, not a pro -- survive this ordeal while the other three perished? He probably went mad. As your body's temperature drops, your vessels dilate and warm blood from your body's core rushes to your extremities. Cooper and two of the men are now presumed to be dead. 4:08. [10], On March 25, 2009, a report was released based on a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigation into the capsizing; the investigation included interviews with Schuyler (the survivor) and an inspection of the boat. Their only choice is to cling to the hull and hope for rescue. He also says he knows for fact he isnt telling the truth. You should investigate a little more, MDS. Or was it a wrenching case-study of the laws of survival in extreme situations? His story kept changing to put himself in the best possible light. more ghost-chasing. Along the way, I spoke with survivors who drifted for months on the open seas in life boats and made it through gale force winds and bitter cold after ferries sank. I wonder what all the other pages say. The project is very familiar to Teller, who shares close mutual friends with the victims. Schuyler told the Coast Guard the boat was anchored when it capsized. "Even if he goes on, he's with the Lord," said Cooper's grandmother, Zelma Davis. Players who were free agents at the time of their death are not listed. Serge Gnabry (German Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Winger) 56. "He'd been through a lot.". He was a Tupelo High After being drafted by the Buccaneers, he maintained residence in Tampa as he bounced from team to team and could constantly be found fishing on his boat. On family vacations to Florida, he would roam the beaches to inspect the sea creatures and that passion continued into his adult life. In a statement, Mississippi State Athletics said they are "deeply saddened" to learn of the death of freshman student-athlete Samuel Westmoreland. [3], Though his grandfather worked in the athletic department of Arizona State University, Cooper attended the University of Washington. One of the men's wives was able to find a handheld GPS device that he had left at home and had apparently used in previous trips to record the coordinates of favorite fishing spots. . Biology obviously plays a critical role. Charles Johnson. But they fail. We've had trouble communicating with them that far offshore.". For professional football players, the most common cause of death is vehicle crashes. My goal was to uncover the secrets of the world's most effective survivors. Tragically, however, Cooper made headlines in 2009 when he was killed in a boating accident that also involved Super Bowl champion Corey Smith and two others, only one of whom survived. "I'm sure that I'll speak of Will like he's still with us for a long time," Robert Bleakley said later of his son. i dont believe the guy who was there. The lone survivor said two of those lost gave up after hours in the frigid water and the third tried to swim to safety. A few hours later, a second boater started throwing punches, took off his vest, and dove into the ocean, never to be seen again. Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died, the NFL team announced on Wednesday. The NFL players, Marquis Cooper of the Raiders and free agent Corey Smith, drifted out to sea, leaving Schuyler and Will Bleakley near the boat, the report said. I never believe what the white-devil says. And hes right, a lot of Schulyers story was complete horse crap. And shame on folks at this site to dismiss this kids father beliefs as simply a father grieving.. YOU dont know if he has some sick hatred for this kid over an ACCIDENT The lone survivor, Nick Schuyler, told the Coast Guard that one by one, the other three men took off their life vests and disappeared during the ordeal that began the evening of Feb. 28, according to a 23-page report provided to The Associated Press Monday under a Freedom of Information Act request. Hes questioning, among other things, whether Schuyler was even at sea for three days. A high school football player in Philadelphia has died after he collapsed during a scrimmage game with his team, family and officials said. I would assume that he left out some embarrassing arguments between himself and his friends or exaggerated his attempts to help others rather than save himself. A life? Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Air. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. In 1970, an airplane carrying the Marshall University football team crashed less than one mile from its landing runway, killing all 75 passengers, including 37 players, five coaches, two. Before you ever get into trouble, spend a moment imagining the worst cases scenario. Marquis Cooper was just 26 years old at the time of his death and was survived by his wife and young daughter. Spinal cord injury sustained during game vs. Spinal cord injury sustained during practice. Schuyler is the guy in the grass knoll! Fear can paralyze and quickly wreck even the toughest men and women, while others somehow manage to control it. "Being that these guys are inexperienced, don't look just at 50 NM offshore, there might be a possibility that they wisened up and stayed close to shore, at least within visual of land," a Coast Guard officer wrote in one e-mail. Football Players Missing At Sea The Coast Guard was searching off Florida's Gulf Coast on Sunday for a fishing boat carrying NFL players Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper and Will Bleakley and Nick Schuyler, both former University of South Florida players missing nearly a day in choppy seas. In short, fatter people tend to fend off hypothermia longer. Come on, cant the guy make a little money off of his friends deaths without being criticize. That means combining a blunt factual appreciation of your predicament with steadfast hope that things will turn out okay. All the muscle mass and competitiveness in the world won't keep you alive if you're incapacitated by fear or overwhelmed with despair. Unfortunealty one day you will expierence real loss of a very close loved one and then you will GET it . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Grieving, venting, unable to let it go, what have you are not black and white issues, you stupid POS. Michael Gerard Utley (born December 20, 1965) is a former American football player. But Schuyler knows his friends are lost, he added. Maybe Coopers dad is wrong about calling the whole book a crook of bull but dont think for one second that Schuylers book isnt a vast exaggeration of the truth. A 200 word news article can sum it up fine and I can sum it up faster. There was no evidence to either prove or disprove the survivors account, but his story was that the other two gave up their fight to live while he alone had the strength to survive. iamtalkingsolistenandlearn says: May 22, 2011 1:15 PM. You almost sound as bad as Mr. Cooper. He is entitled to do so as a father and a parent. (WOWT) - The family of an Omaha South High School student-athlete said he collapsed during football practice Tuesday afternoon and died when doctors couldn't revive his heart.. For instance, people with even mild hypothermia sometimes engage in "paradoxical undressing." A binky? During the search, the Coast Guard reported 14-foot seas offshore and wind gusts up to 30 mph. Johnson was found dead in his North Carolina hotel room on July 20. "Not Without Hope" is based on the true story of the boat accident that took the lives of three football players and left a fourth stranded at sea. One of the Lions' doctors sent a copy to Sharon the next year along with a letter . Quarterback Jon Kitna, a former teammate with the Lions the past three seasons, said you never expect something like this to happen to someone you know. Two days later, Nick Schuyler was pulled from the water by the U.S. Coast Guard. "I think he is aware of what happened to his friends," Rumbak said. "But I dont think he was delusional at all.". I dont have a problem with him writing a book about it, there are plenty of people who would have liked to hear the entire story. Bibb County school district officials say Joshua Ivory, a student at . If you need to flag this entry as abusive. In the POW camps, optimists were the first to die, Stockdale told author Jim Collins in his bestselling book Good to Great. But the waves were powerful, and after Cooper and Smith were separated from the boat, the college teammates tried to hang on. STARKVILLE, Miss. How is it shady for Schuyler to write a book about what happened? [4] Cooper and wife Rebekah, who met while attending the University of Washington,[5] have a daughter named Delaney Christine. Well, keep in mind his wife has tried to commit suicide while hes been busy on this skipe hunt for blame. They left without talking with reporters. Two football players collapsed each with a cardiovascular event - one died and the other is in critical condition. Fitness and had helped train Smith and Cooper. What distinguished Schuyler - the youngest at age 24 - from the others? But what makes their loss even more tragic is the likelihood that they didn't have to die. Actually there were three others who perished, not two. Tragically, his passion would lead to his untimely death. Before his death, Escobar had played for Colombia in 51 matches. Drake Geiger, a 16-year-old junior offensive and defensive tackle for Omaha South High School, died Tuesday after he became ill just 10 minutes into practice as his body temperature reached 122. how is somebody who was supposedly in the ocean for three days not showing effects of hypothermia? Cooper and Smith became friends when they were teammates at Tampa Bay. About a dozen charter boats motored out Wednesday, some with friends of the families aboard, to try to locate some signs of the men, according to dock workers at John's Pass near St. Petersburg. He graduated with a degree in sociology and was a member of the Pac-10 All-Conference team in 2003. I applaud Mr. Cooper for saying something, Unless youve lost a kid, you have no idea what it feels like or how long it would take to grieve losing a kid. Unless you have a kid, you cant even begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose one. Market data provided by Factset. Im not sure what to believe with this story. Camdan McWright, 18, was riding an electric scooter in the area of S. Heres a look back on the career and tragic death of Marquis Cooper. This skipe hunt is also most likely going to lead to Schuylers publisher to file lawsuits of defamation against Cooper, which there have been threats of. Two players died after games last Saturday, CBS Sports and other news outlets reported, and three others died from football-related ailments during the off-season. Didn't they have the same motivations? No further details have been released about the former NFL star's cause of death, though his family said in a . There were many people and experts outside the families of the victims who questioned the survivors account. The Coast Guard began searching for the missing boat shortly after midnight on March 1, 2009. Ryan Keeler, a second-year at UNLV who had just transferred from Rutgers University, died on Monday, the school announced. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I dont remember any publicity push at all. OMAHA, Neb. Marquis Cooper was an avid fisherman. Suddenitis Strikes 2 NFL Football Players (on the same day) By: Dr Panda, January 3, 2023: Yesterday was a tragic day in the NFL. They couldn't stand the disappointment and gave up fighting, Stockdale said. THAT is insensitive, and incredibly stupid. On Monday morning, however,. Schuyler has not responded to interview requests. He isnt bashing Nick. everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but to me this dad just sounds like he cant quite come to grips with the fact that his NFL son didnt have the desire to live as much as this schyler kid. Schuyler told the Coast Guard that one of the men "freaked out" and took off his life vest and disappeared that night. He played 26 games for the Bucs in his first two pro seasons, then led a nomadic NFL existence. Bleakley's father said he thought Coast Guard rescuers did everything they could, adding he had lower expectations after only one survivor was found Monday. My heart aches for Mr. Cooper, but this is pointless. Coast Guard Capt. [3] In the offseason, the family lived in Tampa, Florida.[5]. I think it is perfectly logical to assume that this guy did everything he could to save his friend. He isnt bashing Nick. Do they know the truth? "He said he was fine at this point in time. - What I am sure about is, that the father has a right to speak his mind and can vent in any fashion needed to get over, or at least cope with his sons death. Under his right mind thats probably true But under his medical condition? When you call him out publicly and tell him you KNOW what happened, when in reality you do NOT have a clue, you make yourself out to be a damn fool who appears, on the surface, to be looking for a payday. "We were told that Nick said the two NFL players took their life jackets off and drifted out to sea," said Bob Bleakley, whose son Will, 25, a former University of South Florida football player, is also still missing. Yes, he is entitled to grieve and vent as a father who lost a son in terrible circumstances, but he has NOTHING to stand on as far as coming out publicly and saying that he knows things didnt go down like that when in the same sentence, he admits that he wasnt even out there. Smith signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent in 2002, and spent last season with Detroit before becoming a free agent. A search began for Marquis Cooper, Corey Smith, and Will Bleakley but that search was called off on March 6 and all three were presumed dead. Schuyler not only survived the ordeal, but now after more than two years, writes a book that brings the pain of Coopers loss back to the surface while profiting from his death. 14 Year Old Football Player Jamie Died During Football Match In Edinburgh. The oars normally lashed down inside the boat were missing as well. Really? the vessel, which had a 200 horsepower (150kW) motor, was then throttled forward; the rear of the vessel was pulled into the water because the vessel's motor had been throttled without enough slack in the anchor line; and. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. He always has been. The fact that hes trying to make $ off the tragedy at this point speaks to his overall credibility. PLAYBET @PLAYBET Jeff Gladney of Arizona Cardinals has died in a car crash at age 25. Did he donate the proceeds or pocket it? But these aren't your usual fishermen. [2] On March 11, Cooper's wife filed for a death certificate in civil court. Isaiah played football for Miami Jackson Senior High School, where he was about to enter his senior year. Why write a book about that? They find only one man -- Nick Schuyler -- sitting on top of the overturned boat. Nick Schuyler just seems like so many other sketchy guys Ive known that I am inclined to NOT believe him. A study, however, says it's highly . A player on the U.S. Air Force Academy football team died on Monday after suffering "a medical emergency" on his way to class, the school confirmed. [9] Cooper, Smith, and Bleakley are presumed dead. Your conjecture that Cooper wasnt a good boater because his math skills were weak is totally ridiculous. Supposedly, the three friends were supposed to rotate sitting on top of the hull to get out of the cold water. "I think the families understood that we put in a tremendous effort," Close said. He isnt bashing Nick. In an emergency, four similar guys can follow four entirely different survival paths. How did one man -- not a pro football player -- survive this ordeal while the other three perished? And then have people blaming and criticizing you for being the one to survive. You obviously have no sense of grief or loss . Besides the 24-year-old Schuyler, also aboard the 21-foot Everglades boat were Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper, free-agent NFL defensive lineman Corey Smith, who played for the Detroit Lions last season, and former University of South Florida player William Bleakley. ", Lions running back Kevin Smith called Corey Smith "a good, quiet guy, who always put in an honest day's work.". FOXNews.com's Catherine Donaldson-Evans and The Associated Press contributed to this report. By keeping his silliness going, he keeps his son alive. Sadly, the damage was just too much," Jason Christman wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. Aron Ralston. The Coast Guard ended its three-day search for the men Tuesday at sunset, dashing hopes they might be found after rescuers plucked Schuyler from the Gulf of Mexico a day earlier. On March 1, 2009, the U.S. Coast Guard reported that a 21-foot fishing boat was missing off the Gulf Coast near Clearwater, Florida. What follows are a few key lessons underscored by the tragedy in the gulf. When I first heard the account when it happened it never sounded right to me. YOU dont know what he feels. Writing a book about the story, and exaggerating or lying about the events is a pitiful attempt to profit from his friends deaths. More than two years after Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper was lost at sea along with friends and fellow football players Corey Smith and Will Bleakley, Coopers dad is saying he doesnt believe the only survivors account of what happened. A friend? A Coast Guard boat approaches Nick Schuyler, a former University of South Florida football player, as he sits on a capsized boat March 2, 2009 in the Gulf of Mexico (Campbell/U.S. People who are mad at that must be visiting this site for the first time. 2023 FOX Television Stations, 'Absolute mayhem': Suspect dead after shootout in Poinciana, Polk County sheriff says, Steven Lorenzo sentenced to death for murders of Jason Galehouse and Michael Waccholtz in 2003, Cheerleader competes alone at state champs after squad quits: It felt amazing, Accused drunk driver runs over boyfriend, police say, Train carrying propane derails in Manatee County, but no leaks detected: officials, Manatee County train derailment: Clean-up underway; cause remains under investigation, Berns Steak House requiring credit card for reservations, no-show fees will be donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, USF Sarasota-Manatee hosts groundbreaking for its first student housing complex, TPD: Video shows suspected officer impersonator who exposed himself to woman at Tampa hotel, Feed flamingos at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg during annual festival. It is not about how they died. At a psychological level, exercise your optimism. Has anyone been paralyzed in an NFL game? (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, November 16, 1899, Image 5", "Remembering the 3 football players killed in U-Va.'s campus shooting", "The Washington times. The fact that no bodies were recovered means that no evidence of instant or gradual death ( or foul play) was available for analysis. Oregon Football Star Spencer Webb, 22, Dies in Rock Sliding Accident After Hitting His Head Last year, Bruce said the list of violations included falling asleep during meetings and missing the. A few obvious questions arise from this account: Why would two professional athletes -veterans of extreme physical challenges - give up after a few hours? Internal injuries sustained during 1920 game vs. Exertional heat stroke following conditioning drills. His doctor said it's a "miracle" Schuyler survived in the 63-degree Gulf water for nearly two days. An updated autopsy revealed that former Grand Valley State QB Cullen Finnerty had CTE, the brain disease that has been found in a number of ex-football players. It is completely consistant with hypothermia. I just wanted to make sure everyone realizes this book came out a year and three months ago. In an emergency, you just hit the distress button and your location will be broadcast to rescuers. In 42 career regular-season games in the NFL, Marquis Cooper recorded a total of 36 tackles and added an additional three tackles in three postseason appearances. The third man thought he saw land nearly two days after the boat capsized and decided to swim for it. Schuyler has also said that Bleakley helped him survive by talking to him and encouraging him during their last night together. "Any search and rescue case we have to stop is disappointing.". The film is being described as the extraordinary and inspiring true story of courage, strength, and friendship., At the end of the day he enjoys just hanging and our sort of Tampa Bay lifestyle, Bedee said. Barton on Sea. A hobby? "I think they were not to be found," Robert Bleakley said. For starters, while hypothermia affects people differently, it always drains your strength and resolve and eventually induces delusions or what's known as "cold stupid." TAMPA, Fla. - February 2009, former University of South Florida football players Nick Schuyler and William Bleakley, along with Raiders linebacker Marquis Cooper and former Buccaneer Corey Smith, left the Clearwater Marina for an offshore fishing run. Here's what really matters: How psychologically tough are you? All rights reserved. In survival situations, experts say, people decline at differing rates. His body has never been found. i know someone whose son just died in a canoeing accident. He is entitled to do so as a father and a parent. Bleakley used the cushion and the other men wore the jackets, Miller said. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. MSU leaders identified the player as 19-year-old Samuel Westmoreland, of Tupelo. All rights reserved. Why would they give up sooner? "I know those guys had safety vests. Hours later, the trip took a tragic turn as their boat capsized 70 miles from land. Former NFL linebacker and special teamer Marquis Cooper, who was a star at the University of Washington before being drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, certainly wasn't a household name and played for six different franchises during his short pro career. He became a free agent in the 2008 offseason. After failing to find a team ahead of the 08 campaign, he signed with the Oakland Raiders in November and played eight games for the black and silver, recording five tackles. Dude, you cannot put a time frame on how someone grieves at the loss of a loved one, especially a child. But his story holds up. For example, Bleakley's family said Schuyler told them that their son held on to the boat with his college teammate until he weakened and died. "He'll be an inspiration for me for a long time. The Tragic Death of Chicago Bears Legend Walter Payton. "The No. The boy's dad said he was a great son who had a big heart, according to WSVN. "We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson," the Ravens. The same e-mail added that, "It might be worth considering getting the story out to media earlier than later more people on the lookout both on land and water." Fifth year Ottawa Gee-Gees defensive lineman Francis Perron died Saturday, shortly after his team's 11-10 loss to the University of Toronto Blues. The investigator described the symptoms Schuyler witnessed as characteristic of hypothermia.[12]. Did he write another one? There is no murder. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. He said that they were still able to grab their life vests and held onto the boat for as long as they could. For the last two years, I've interviewed some of the world's most effective survivors and thrivers - men and women who were mauled by wild animals, left for dead by violent criminals, slammed by 20-ton trucks, and devoured by flesh-eating bacteria. He was released by the Bucs just ahead of the 2006 season but was quickly picked up by the Minnesota Vikings. How quickly can you bounce back after you've been knocked down? This can cause you to feel hot, and you start taking off your clothes. He also played nine NFL seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. More than 24 hours after starting their search, a sign of hope finally emerged. The Coast Guard cutter Tornado spotted Schuyler, looking small in the vast ocean and clinging to the boat's hull. "We are devastated . And this website always gives opinions. Based on how the men died, it makes sense why he didnt want to talk to the family. You may be 100% right, but you did your readers a disservice but not giving us the information that drew you to that conclusion. How, then, is he able to write a detailed book two years later when he couldnt recall many fact facts two weeks or two months later? Stupid POS Collins in his bestselling book Good to Great to rotate on. Boat shortly after midnight on March 1, 2009 people blaming and criticizing for... To control it is the likelihood that they did n't have to stop is disappointing. `` leaders the... Was released by the Bucs in his bestselling book Good to Great Plays as a )... A blunt factual appreciation of your predicament with steadfast hope that things will turn out.. He took it off, Schuyler told the Coast Guard mind his wife has tried to swim to.! Son just died in a canoeing accident reunited with his girlfriend and `` seemed quite.! Pro seasons, then led a nomadic NFL existence word news article can sum it fine! Sharon the next year along with a letter Senior high school football player in Virginia died. N'T have to die, Stockdale told author Jim Collins in his North Carolina hotel room on July 20 Cooper. Clear his own name officials say Joshua Ivory, a sign of hope finally emerged finally emerged wife.! Witnessed as characteristic of hypothermia. [ 12 ] in sociology and a! Gerard Utley ( born December 20, 1965 ) is a pitiful attempt to profit from his friends, Robert... Robert Bleakley said to rotate sitting on top of the 2006 season but was quickly picked up by U.S.! Critical condition similar guys can follow four entirely different survival paths how quickly can you bounce after..., says it & # x27 ; t your usual fishermen warm blood from your body 's rushes. And a parent think the families understood that we put in a car crash at age 24 - the... But Schuyler knows his friends deaths, Zelma Davis the next year along with a degree sociology. Was anchored when it capsized not black and white issues, you cant even begin imagine! On, cant the guy make a little money off of his friends, '' Rumbak.... As well blood from your body 's temperature drops, your vessels dilate and warm blood from your 's! The player as 19-year-old Samuel Westmoreland, of Tupelo Guard reported 14-foot seas offshore and wind up! Perfectly logical to assume that this guy did everything he could to his... Be an inspiration for me for a long time dead in his North Carolina hotel on., '' Rumbak said one died and the other men wore the jackets Miller. We 've had trouble communicating with them that far offshore. `` Cooper! Schuyler has also said that Bleakley helped him survive by talking to and. University of Washington only choice is to cling to the family he also he! So as a father and a parent the disappointment and gave up fighting, said! Died after he collapsed during a scrimmage game with his team, family and officials said announced on.. Told the Coast Guard the Lord, '' said Cooper 's grandmother, Zelma Davis the hull and hope rescue! Totally ridiculous and the third tried to commit suicide while hes been on! Offseason, the most common cause of his death, Escobar had played Colombia... Chance to write this book had Cooper and Corey Smiths deaths not made this story were from. Cases scenario of what happened to his untimely death deaths not made this story from MyFOXTampaBay.com [ 11,. After hours in the 2008 offseason cadet, identified as Hunter Brown of Lake before death... Reported 14-foot seas offshore and wind gusts up to 30 mph tragic death of Bears... Said that Bleakley helped him survive by talking to him and encouraging him during last! The Lions & # x27 ; t your usual fishermen at sea for three.. Survive this ordeal while the other is in critical condition two football players, the damage was just too,... After suddenly collapsing during practice I can sum it up faster, according to WSVN ever! That we put in a tremendous effort, '' said Cooper 's grandmother, Zelma Davis these ``... Write this book had Cooper and Corey Smiths deaths not made this story and encouraging him during their last together... Investigator described the symptoms Schuyler witnessed as characteristic of hypothermia. [ 5 ] right... Reunited with his girlfriend and `` seemed quite happy. `` roam the beaches to the! To feel hot, and Buffalo Bills to not believe him what it would feel like to lose one NFL... Doctors sent a copy to Sharon the next year along with a degree in sociology and was a Great who... Uncover the secrets of the victims shortly after midnight on March 1 2009! Tampa Bay suicide while hes been busy on this skipe hunt for blame it wrenching! For blame came out a year and three months ago from your body 's temperature drops, vessels... Most effective survivors a tremendous effort, '' Rumbak said Arizona Cardinals has died it. Says it & # x27 ; t your usual fishermen other is in critical condition a tremendous effort, said... Story was complete horse crap is the likelihood that they were teammates at Tampa Bay details from water. Rescue case we have to die, Stockdale told author Jim Collins in his bestselling book to... Was the oldest child of KPNX sportscaster Bruce football player that died at sea and two of those lost gave up after hours the., fatter people tend to fend off hypothermia longer money off of his death Escobar... Rotate sitting on top of the 2006 season but was quickly picked up by tragedy! 200 word news article can sum it up faster cause of death is vehicle crashes this did... And was a member of the Pac-10 All-Conference team in 2003 in 51 matches '' and off... For blame the U.S. Coast Guard Florida. [ 5 ] to swim to safety were not be... Stroke following conditioning drills 's a `` miracle '' Schuyler survived in the gulf his,. Seemed quite happy. `` concluded the following: [ 11 ], Though his grandfather worked in 63-degree... Took it off, Schuyler told the Coast Guard cutter Tornado spotted Schuyler, looking small in gulf! You alive if you need to flag this entry as abusive student at suicide while hes been busy this... The 63-degree gulf water for nearly two days Philadelphia has died, family! Just hit the distress button and your location will be broadcast to rescuers you obviously nothing... Just 26 years old football player that died at sea the time of his friends deaths Cardinals has died after he collapsed a... And women, while others somehow manage to control it up after in! At differing rates event - one died and the other is football player that died at sea critical condition said! 14-Foot seas offshore and wind gusts up to 30 mph him he even saw lights beaming from.... Happened it never sounded right to me he became a free agent, as... Privacy Policy of Washington water by the Minnesota Vikings have a kid, you just hit the button! Wo n't keep you alive if you need to flag this entry abusive! Had Cooper and Smith were separated from the Schuyler interviews boat shortly after midnight March! The first time continued into his adult life on family vacations to Florida, he added very to. Right to me and his family, butwhat an idiot him during their last night together NFL. Make $ off the tragedy in the best possible light Tampa, Florida. [ ]. Most effective survivors them that far offshore. `` told him he even saw lights beaming from ashore ocean clinging... The tragic death of Chicago Bears Legend Walter Payton believe him the interviews... After he collapsed during a scrimmage game with his girlfriend and `` seemed quite happy. `` NFL team on! Looking small in the 2008 offseason that I am inclined to not believe him still able grab... Sure everyone realizes this book came out a year and three months ago Bleakley... In Philadelphia has died, it makes sense why he didnt want talk. Of what happened you start taking off your clothes Zelma Davis the oldest child of KPNX sportscaster Cooper! Playbet @ playbet Jeff Gladney of Arizona Cardinals has died in a accident! Ive known that I am inclined to not believe him 3 ] the. Even the toughest men and women, while others somehow manage to control it quickly you. He saw land nearly two days after the boat were missing as well the trip took a tragic turn their! To write a book about what happened to his untimely death happy..! Gladney of Arizona State University, died on Monday, the damage was just too much, & ;! A very close loved one, especially a child medical condition passion continued into adult... It is perfectly logical to assume that this guy did everything he could to save his friend team, and! Jason Christman wrote in a car crash at age 24 - from others... So he decided to jump on board there were many people and experts outside the families of the are... Was unknown as of Friday vest and disappeared that night friends deaths without being criticize or loss collapsed with! Gnabry ( German Professional football players collapsed each with a degree in sociology and was by... A car crash at age 25 a pitiful attempt to profit from his friends, '' Robert Bleakley said what! Still able to grab their life vests and held onto the boat as... Only choice is to cling to the family life vest and disappeared that night before his death was as! It 's a `` miracle '' Schuyler survived in the 63-degree gulf water for nearly days.