James Dungy, the 18-year-old son of Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy, was found dead in a Tampa-area apartment, police said Thursday.
No foul play is suspected, but a cause of death won’t announced pending an autopsy, said Vida Morgan, a secretary in the Hillsborough County sheriff’s office.
James Dungy’s girlfriend found him when she returned to the Campus Lodge Apartments in Lutz, Fla., the sheriff’s office said in a news release on its Web site. Police responded at 1:32 a.m. Thursday and performed CPR on Dungy before he was taken to University Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Tony Dungy has left the Colts and is in Tampa, according to NFL.com. The Colts (13-1) are at Seattle on Saturday; Indianapolis lost its first game Sunday against the visiting San Diego Chargers, ending what had been a perfect season.
The coach and his wife, Lauren, have four other children: daughters Tiara and Jade and sons Eric and Jordan. James, their second-oldest child, was taking extension classes at the University of South Florida, Morgan said.
FOXNews says foul play has been ruled out, but speculation runs wild. A commentator mentioned that some are wondering if James Dungy committed suicide. So far, I’ve found no other source that goes so far as to suggest that James killed himself. UPDATE: Tampa area radio reporting that suicide is suspected.
According to a press statement made just minutes ago (8:30 AM PST) by Colts team president Bill Polian, Tony Dungy called him earlier this morning with the news, then immediately flew to Tampa. Contingency plans have been put into place and Jim Caldwell will coach the team while Dungy is away with his family.
Statement posted on the front page of the Indianapolis Colts website:
“Our Colts family is united in prayer and support for the Dungy family at this time,” said Colts Owner and C.E.O. Jim Irsay. “It is an unspeakable tragedy, and we will do whatever we can to assist Tony, Lauren and their children.”
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone in the Colts organization are with Tony and his family. Those joining the organization in these sentiments are asked to observe the family’s wish for privacy at this time,” said Colts President Bill Polian.
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office statement
- Google Maps satellite view of James Dungy’s apartment.
- Indianapolis Star Colts site
- James Dungy “fit in well” at North Central
- Colts Fan Forum
UPDATE II: Death is suspected to be suicide. Medical Examiner: Dungy Took His Own Life.
Others: ESPN | ABC News | 620 WDAE Radio | WRTV Indianapolis | Sports Illustrated |