Former Cowboys RB Marion Barber’s cause of death is heartbreaking

Former Cowboys running back Marion Barber died of heat stroke in a tragic accident in his Dallas area apartment, the medical examiner determined.

The details of Marion Barber’s death make a tragic situation even more heartbreaking.

The Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the death of the former Cowboys running back was an accident caused by heat stroke.

USA Today obtained a copy of Barber’s autopsy report, which revealed the sad details.

Marion Barber’s cause of death revealed as heat stroke

The 38-year-old’s heat stroke was not caused by the weather, which was certainly warm in Texas at the time.

According to USA Today, Barber was discovered in his Frisco apartment on June 1 when a neighbor reported water leaking from his residence. Police officers conducting a wellness check entered the apartment which had a bathtub faucet running and the thermostat set on heat mode at 91 degrees.

Apparently, Barber exercised in “sauna-like conditions” and police noted exercise equipment in the apartment.

Something clearly went wrong sometime at the end of May. Barber’s family had not heard from him in six days when his body was found.

Barber played for the Cowboys from 2005 to 2010 with one Pro Bowl appearance. In six seasons in Dallas, he averaged 726 yards per year. In 2006 he scored 16 total touchdowns. The next year he tallied a career-best 975 yards.

In 2011 he signed with the Bears and played one season in Chicago before retiring in 2012.

Knowing his cause of death may help explain why he’s gone, but it doesn’t take any of the gried away from the family, friends, teammates and fans who mourn his absence.