Former Central Michigan and Indianapolis Colts running back Zurlon Tipton died Tuesday after he accidentally shot himself at a car dealership in Roseville, Michigan. He was 26 years old.
Tipton was bringing his car in for service at about 9:30 a.m. and was removing his belongings, including a duffel bag containing two guns from the trunk. One of the guns accidentally went off, and shot Tipton in the stomach. Though police said Tipton was in good condition while on his way to the hospital, Tipton’s condition worsened and he ultimately died Tuesday afternoon.
“He was gathering up personal belongings from the interior of the vehicle, putting them into a backpack, book bag type container,” said Roseville Police Deputy Chief Donald Glandon. “While doing so, one of two guns that we in that backpack discharged, striking this individual in the stomach.”
Tipton went to Central Michigan from 2010-2014, rushing for more than 2,000 yards and scoring 34 touchdowns. The former Chippewa went undrafted in 2014 but later signed with the Colts. Tipton was released by Indianapolis in December and was a free agent at the time of his death.
Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief was quick to express his grief regarding his former teammate. An investigation of the incident is expected to come in the coming weeks.
[CBS 4]