Former Cowboys, Bears RB Marion Barber III died from heat stroke

The pro football community was shocked and saddened to learn that police found former Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber III dead inside of his apartment back on June 1 at the age of 38. 

More information about his untimely passing has emerged. 

Per Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk and Tom Schad of USA Today, the Collin County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled that Barber died of heat stroke. Barber was found June 1 during a welfare check. 

"We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III," the Cowboys said last month in a statement shared by Todd Archer of ESPN. "Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates. Our hearts go out to Marion's family and friends during this difficult time."

Dallas selected Barber in the fourth round of the 2005 draft, and he went on to spend six seasons with the organization before he played his final campaign with the Bears in 2011. In total, the one-time Pro Bowl selection accumulated 4,780 career rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns.