Kenny McKinley dies at 23

Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley has died at the age of 23 in what police initially believe to be suicide.

According to the initial findings of local police in Arapahoe County, the fifth-round draft pick in 2009 died alone in his home of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"It is an ongoing matter however our initial investigation indicates he died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Right now that is the status," Arapahoe County Sheriff J. Grayson Robinson said.

"He was in the home alone when the incident happened."

It is the second tragedy to hit the Denver Broncos in the last few years, following the murder of cornerback Darrent Williams in a drive-by shooting in 2007.
Shocked

"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," team president Pat Bowlen said.

"He was part of the Broncos family and will be greatly missed by our organisation. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."

McKinley played in eight games last season as a rookie, but his season was ended in December with a knee injury.

Although he returned to play a full part in pre-season training, his knee problems struck again and McKinley was placed on injured reserve before the start of the current campaign.

"Kenny had a promising future on the football field, but more importantly, he was a great team mate whose smile and personality could light up the room," said Broncos head coach Josh

McDaniels.

"This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."