Sad news - condolences to the fiance, family, and the friends of MSU

 

 

 

Ottney´s death ruled a suicide

Posted: 12/16/2003

 

Ottney's death ruled a suicide

 

EAST LANSING -- The death of former Michigan State football player Brian Ottney in September has been ruled a suicide.

 

Ottney died after ingesting a combination of medication and alcohol, according to a report released by the Los Angeles County Department of Coroners on Friday. The report also noted that Ottney had a history of depression.

 

On Sept. 1, the 23-year-old Ottney died in Long Beach, Calif., where he had moved to begin a construction job. His death was first believed to have been caused by a seizure.

 

He graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor’s degree in building construction management. This fall, he was engaged to marry Lacy Hauxhurst, a former Michigan State softball player.

 

Ottney, a three-year letterwinner and former captain, had one year of eligibility remaining. But he realized during spring practice that the wear and tear on his knees was too much, so he decided to give up the game.

 

Ottney, who was 6-foot-6 and had a playing weight of more than 300 pounds, was granted a medical redshirt after missing the 1999 season with a shoulder injury. Ottney started 33 straight ga

Condolences to the Ottney family. I can't imagine anything harder to handle than the suicide of someone so young.