Damien Nash collapses, dies

[WABronco]

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_5299448

Broncos' Nash collapses, dies
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/24/2007 08:01:44 PM MST

Tragedy struck the Broncos for the second time in less than two months Saturday when backup running back Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game in St. Louis, his agent, David Canter, said late Saturday night. Nash was 24.

Nash, who was signed as a free agent in August, played in three games last season and had 24 carries for 98 yards. He started as a rookie in 2005 with Tennessee, which took him in the fifth round. He played in three games for the Titans.

Nash was from East St. Louis, Ill. He played two season at Missouri after starting at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 1, Darrent Williams was shot and killed while riding in a limousine after leaving a nightclub in Denver, hours after the Broncos' season ended. Police have not made any arrests in that case.

So sad...

He was poised to be one of those "turnaround" stories. Got a real opportunity and was trying to capitalize.

Thoughts to his family and friends.

Sad news...

[listopencil]

Wtf?

[SoCalBronco]

Good Lord....again...this cant be.

Rest in peace, Damien.


:(

[Sassy]

Unbelievable...:(

[Bronco_Beerslug]

What the hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Al Wilson]

omg, i'm shocked.

RIP Damien Nash :(

[-Slap-]

My God, 24 years old. Unreal.

[footstepsfrom#27]

Man what in the world is going on? This has been a realy bad offseason already. How does a 24 year old pro athlete die after pickup basketball game? ??? I liked him...I thought he had a good shot.

Very sad.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

God what a terrible month and a half for this team

RIP Damien

[Clockwork Orange]

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

RIP Nash.

[SDBroncos]

Rip

[Bronco_Beerslug]

RIP Damien, there's no understanding or reason to this and Darrent. Thoughts with the player's families and friends and entire Bronco organization.

[BizzyBone7]

wow...

[wabbit]

This is just beyond reality.

...and only 24 years old.

[Jens1893]

Not again. What the hell did we do to deserve this?

RIP Damien

[BroncoBen]

OMG... This is crazy... talk about being shocked ... again.

[RhymesayersDU]

Wow. RIP.

[baja]

This makes us all pause and contemplate just how fragile this gift of life really is.

Makes me grateful to be alive and motivates me to enjoy to the fullest each moment.

I will never again complain about the mundane disappointments life shells out.

I trust this young man is in a glorious new reality as we all will be one day.

[watermock]

That sucks. RIP. He must of had an undiagnosed heart condition. At least he wasn't shot in cold blood.

He showed some flashes but that isn't important...Losing a player is standard fare, but not this way. Mortals are we. We are taking a beating in the Bronco family the last two months.

I shouldn't speculate, but maybe he was trying to get in shape and pushed too hard. Jeez..24...I'm almost twice that...and have to scoop snow tommorow and thats the leading cause of heart attacks...pray for mock. Or pray I die...whatever...heh.

Seriously, it's a sad thing again...we can't catch a break lately. It doesn't that he was a marginal player...who knows, he might of lit it up in camp. I just sucks for his family mostly I guess. And him for sure.

[SoCalBronco]

Not again. What the hell did we do to deserve this?

RIP Damien

Seriously....there has to be a black cloud or something following the organization. The odds of losing two guys in one offseason are basically zero.

In any case, as we learned when Darrent was murdered, the whole football team aspect of it means very little at the end of the day, we are reminded again to put life in perspective and to value it to its fullest.

[BlitzingDog]

Total shock. RIP

[Sassy]

Just heard this on ESPN radio...you guys are fast. :(

[wolf754life]

on espn news, says he collapsed and died. Wow they say death comes in 3's

[footstepsfrom#27]

Hardly any details on this...I don't see anything except Burger Bill's story on the net...there must be some more details than this coming forthwith. I wonder if he had a heart problem like the 9ers guard who died 2 years ago or something else related to his heart.

[minibronco]

wow.... OMG.... i'm so shocked.

RIP.

[ro_50]

Not again.

OMG, I don't know what to say. RIP Damien Nash.

He was coming into his own and had a decent chance of sticking w/ the team.

My heart goes out to his family, friends and the team. Man, I can't fathom how the Broncos organization is doing now.

[Hercules Rockefeller]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2778713

ESPN was on the phone trying to confirm Damien's death with his agent when the agent got a call from the Broncos letting him know what happened.

[plummershelper]

A young man in his physical prime going down like this. What a sad story. A terrible event for his family and his Broncos family. RIP Nash.

[Jens1893]

Hardly any details on this...I don't see anything except Burger Bill's story on the net...there must be some more details than this coming forthwith. I wonder if he had a heart problem like the 9ers guard who died 2 years ago or something else related to his heart.

I just found this. If his brother had heart problems, it wouldn´t surprise me if he had an undiagnosed one also. I am truly getting sick of this.

"The St. Louis County medical examiner's office has not yet determined the cause of death.

He was scheduled to appear at charity basketball game Saturday afternoon at Riverview Gardens High School. It was to benefit the Darris Nash Find A Heart Foundation, which raises money for heart transplant research. The foundation was established in January after Darris Nash, 25, the older brother of Damien Nash, received a heart transplant."

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Must have been IHSS. WTF is going on?

[Rohirrim]

This is beyond belief.

[big56fan#1]

WOW!! RIP Nash :holyguac! :(

[BroncoInferno]

What awful news. Twice in one offseason; unbelievable. Thoughts to his family and friends. :(

[CHANGSTER]

Rip

[Northman]

This is going to be a tough season. Bank it.

[footstepsfrom#27]

The proceeds of the event were to benefit the Darris Nash Find A Heart Foundation, which raises money for heart transplant research. The foundation was created last month after Darris Nash, 25, the older brother of Damien Nash, received a heart transplant.
That is beyond surreal...he's lending his time to a benefit for heart transplants and dies?

[Jens1893]

http://web1.denverbroncos.com/resources/custom/mediaroom/photos/game_photos/111906_nashskipping_JES.JPG

http://web1.denverbroncos.com/resources/custom/mediaroom/photos/game_photos/111206_Nashrunning_TBrown.JPG

[Meck77]

RIP Mile High Salute......

[Stormontheplains]

RIP--- I got his autograph at the charger game, we talked for a while about Coffeyville and Garden City, He told me he needed one off season to be the starter, I pray for his family and friends

[Bronco_Beerslug]

One Chief Planet reaction....

--------------------------------------------------------
Nelson Muntz
Ha Ha
Avatar
Joined: Aug 2000

Probably karma coming around for all the dickhead donks fans that talked **** about DT dying.
Still sucks that someone so young died. Did he have a wife or kids?

[Broncojef]

RIP Damien...this offseason just keeps getting worse and worse.

[Mtbrncofn]

One Chief Planet reaction....

--------------------------------------------------------
Nelson Muntz
Ha Ha
Avatar
Joined: Aug 2000

Probably karma coming around for all the dickhead donks fans that talked **** about DT dying.
Still sucks that someone so young died. Did he have a wife or kids?

Classy.


I can't believe this. I just turned on ESPN news and it was on the breaking news box in the corner. This is just unreal. 2007 has not been good to the Broncos so far. :(

RIP Damien.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Classy.


I can't believe this. I just turned on ESPN news and it was on the breaking news box in the corner. This is just unreal. 2007 has not been good to the Broncos so far. :(

RIP Damien.

One Chargers fan take....

---------------------------------------------
TheNextOne's Avatar
TheNextOne TheNextOne is online now (http://forums.chargers.com/showthread.php?t=40243)
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: San Diego
Posts: 225
Default

phew one less RB to deal with from Denver.

[(Jae)]

Worst offseason ever.........................
Condolences to his friends and family.

[DBroncos4life]

this is horrible news. This is the worst offseason ever.

[Popps]

My god. What a sad time for this team. Best wishes and prayers to his whole family.

He was a guy a pumped up an awful lot last pre-season. I really thought he had a chance to be the best all around back on our roster if he got his head straight. Now I just wish he had a chance to see his family and friends again.

Two guys gone, one minding his own business... one taking part in a charity event.

[Dedhed]

Peace, Damien

[Kaylore]

Man. He was really turning heads and looked to be fighting his way into a career. I hope he didn't have any children. This is just too much.

[Play2win]

Too young, too young... RIP...

Thoughts go out to his family and the entire Broncos Team and Organization.

[ZachKC]

Terrible...Mizzou guy. RIP bud.

http://map.missouri.edu/images/buildings/mizzou-arena.jpg

[Goobzilla]

This just sucks. RIP Damien.

[Ray Finkle]

Rip....

[broncofan]

Wow...speechless.

My condolences go out to his family. Don't really know what else to say...

[TheDave]

WOW...what a bizarre string of events

[Spider]

Damn , is there a curse I dont know about ?

[Ratboy]

This is terrible.

RIP Damien Nash

[Paladin]

Damm. RIP. I thought he had some skills to bring to the table and he had a chance..... What a terrible fate.

[Pezman]

No words to even express this shock... RIP Damien and prayers to his entire family on a tragic loss :(

[DomCasual]

Unbelievable. What in the heck is going on, man? Does anyone know if he had kids?

[ludo21]

Prayers sent for his family,

this just sucks.

RIP Nash

[gunns]

Just woke up and TV was still on NFL Network and there this was at the bottom of the screen. So much sadness for the Broncos. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family who must be in total shock and devastated. Wow.

[epicSocialism4tw]

:(

[Sassy]

Damien Nash
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about a recently deceased person.
Some information, such as the circumstances of the person's death and surrounding events, may change rapidly as more facts become known. Please be aware that while vandalism is usually fixed quickly, it is particularly likely in these articles.
Damien Nash
Date of birth April 14, 1982
Place of birth St. Louis, Missouri
Date of death February 24, 2007 (age 24)
Place of death St. Louis, MO
Position(s) Running back
College Missouri
NFL Draft 2005 / Round 6/ Pick 142
Statistics CBS.com

Team(s)
2005
2006-2007 Tennessee Titans
Denver Broncos
Damien Darnell Nash (born April 14, 1982 - February 24, 2007) was an American football player who was a running back for the NFL's Denver Broncos from 2006-07 at the time of his sudden death.

Contents [hide]
1 High School Years
2 College Career
3 Professional Career
4 Death



[edit] High School Years
Nash attended St. Louis Riverview Gardens High School for the first three years of his education. He followed his coach, Darren Sunkett, to East Saint Louis High School for his senior year. He finished his career with 5,395 rushing yards and 85 rushing touchdowns as well as 1,160 passing yards and 10 passing touchdowns. He was also a track star in high school and ran the 100 meter dash in 10.3 seconds.


[edit] College Career
Damien attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, KS before transfering to the University of Missouri. He finished his career with 253 rushing attempts for 1,254 yards (5.0 yards per rushing attempt average) with 12 rushing touchdowns as well as 36 receptions for 282 yards (7.8 yards per reception average) with 2 receiving touchdowns.


[edit] Professional Career
Nash was drafted with the 5th pick of the 6th round of the NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. He was released after his first season with the Titans and was signed by the Denver Broncos. After spending the first portion of the season on the Broncos practice squad, he was elevated and given a roster position as the third string running back behind Tatum Bell and Mike Bell. He remained in this position.

Nash appeared in six NFL games, three with the Titans and three with the Broncos. He had 24 rushing attempts for 98 yards (4.1 yards per rushing attempt average) with no rushing touchdowns as well as 7 receptions for 55 yards (7.9 yards per reception average) with no receiving touchdowns.

His best NFL game was on November 19, 2006 against the San Diego Chargers when he had ten carries for fifty-two yards and three receptions for thirty-six yards. [1]

He did not appear in the Broncos' final five games of the 2006 season.


[edit] Death
Nash suddenly collapsed after a charity basketball game event on February 24, 2007, and was later pronounced dead.1 The event was a fundraiser to benefit the Darris Nash Find a Heart Foundation, a charity that raises funds for heart transplant research. Damien had created the charity in honor of his older brother, Darris, a heart transplant recipient.

Nash's death was the second Bronco to die after the 2006 season.Darrent Williams was shot to death on New Year's Day 2007

Talk about being up to date.
Can't find anything on family.

[BigPlayShay]

Rip

[atomicbloke]

I really have no words for this. RIP.
This is unreal :(

[Sassy]

Broncos running back Damien Nash dies

By ARNIE STAPLETON, AP Sports Writer
February 24, 2007

DENVER (AP) -- Broncos running back Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game in suburban St. Louis on Saturday, less than two months after the slaying of teammate Darrent Williams.

"We have been informed of the passing of Damien Nash," team spokesman Jim Saccomano said Saturday night. "We are attempting to get more details. ... We do know it's true."

ADVERTISEMENT


Officials at Christian Hospital in St. Louis said the 24-year-old Nash died early Saturday evening. The cause of death wasn't immediately determined.

Nash collapsed shortly after participating in the game benefiting a foundation named for older brother Darris Nash. The foundation raises money for heart transplant research. It was established last month, after Darris Nash received a heart transplant.

"The Denver Broncos organization is once again struck with profound sadness over the tragic loss of one of our players," team owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "This is a tremendous tragedy and our hearts go out to the entire Nash family."

The Broncos are still reeling from the slaying of Williams, who was shot once in the neck while leaving a New Year's Eve party in his rented stretch Hummer in downtown Denver hours after the season ended. His slaying remains unsolved.

"The Broncos family has suffered a great loss with the passing of Damien Nash," coach Mike Shanahan said from Indianapolis, where he was attending the NFL's scouting combine along with general manager Ted Sundquist. "I am stunned and deeply saddened by this tragedy, and send my deepest condolences to Damien's family."

Nash was from East St. Louis, Ill., and played two years at Missouri after playing at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. A fifth-round draft choice by Tennessee in 2005, he played in three games for the Titans before his release.

The Broncos signed him as a free agent last season and he played in three games, rushing for 98 yards on 24 carries.

[Crushaholic]

dammit...RIP Damien...

[atomicbloke]

It's official. The world is screwed up. A nice guy like Damien tries to do his bit for chaarity and faces this unthinkable tragedy. And there are the Pacman Jones.

I am truly depressed.

[long beach bronco]

How much more can we take? This is getting ridiculous, he was a good player.

[DarkHorse]

RIP

Now damnit this **** is getting out of hand already! Did we piss is Death's wheaties or something???

[atomicbloke]

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=53449

[Lestat]

man this is crazy, 2 players under 25 in less than 3 months


this is shocking, sad & just can't be put into words

[carlsbad_bolt_fan]

Jesus...Man I am so sorry to read about this. RIP and respect to his family and fans.

[Atlas]

Makes me grateful to be alive and motivates me to enjoy to the fullest each moment.

I will never again complain about the mundane disappointments life shells out.


Does this count for Bronco losses?

[rovolution]

RIP Damien Nash. You ran with power and determination.

[Houshyamama]

The hits keep on comin'. RIP Damian.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Rip Dn

[DomCasual]

The team's going to have to get bigger helmets to make room for the memorial stickers. I honestly still can't believe it.

[Rigs11]

What? Not again.Rest in peace Damien.

[spdirty]

unbelievable. damnit!!! rip Damien.

[TheChamp24]

Good lord, I can't believe this. What a tragic offseason.
RIP Damien

[Dukes]

Two players the same year? I'm completely shocked............

[Broncos24]

RIP Damien..

[cutthemdown]

he wasn't probably going to make the team IMO, but damn Broncos are not having a good offseason. What the hell is going on here? What is the most players a team has ever had die in an offseason?

[Natedog24]

WTF is going on...

First Williams and now Nash, I can't imagine what the players and coaches are going through right now.

[watermock]

Nash collapsed shortly after participating in the game benefiting a foundation named for older brother Darris Nash. The foundation raises money for heart transplant research. It was established last month, after Darris Nash received a heart transplant.


Ugg...Will will digest this faster because it wasn't a violent death...It still sucks...They should of looked at his heart carefully but playing in the NFL was his dream no doubt. I guess he had a bad ticker too. 24 is a little bit absurd for a heart attack.

[SportinOne]

Just when the dust was settling...

Although we didn't "know" Nash as a player like we did Dee Will, it is still just as big of a tragedy for his family and again now for the Bronco family. I know we Bronco fans consider ourselves part of that family in a way, but we really aren't. We don't live with the team for the entire season on plane rides, in hotels or locker rooms. This is the second teammate/friend/brother in the past two months that this group of guys will have to deal with losing... for good. I can't imagine what they must be thinking right now but i feel a little selfish for thinking "why us Bronco fans again" at first.

From a football standpoint i hope we can overcome this... but before all that i hope everyone on the team and on the staff can get through this.

[ro_50]

Just when the dust was settling...

Although we didn't "know" Nash as a player like we did Dee Will, it is still just as big of a tragedy for his family and again now for the Bronco family. I know we Bronco fans consider ourselves part of that family in a way, but we really aren't. We don't live with the team for the entire season on plane rides, in hotels or locker rooms. This is the second teammate/friend/brother in the past two months that this group of guys will have to deal with losing... for good. I can't imagine what they must be thinking right now but i feel a little selfish for thinking "why us Bronco fans again" at first.

From a football standpoint i hope we can overcome this... but before all that i hope everyone on the team and on the staff can get through this.


Nash leaves behind a wife and seven month old daughter. My heart goes out to his family and especially the kid, who will grow up w/o a dad.

[rbackfactory80]

Rip Damien

[Dagmar]

Rip

[cousinal11]

Shocked...again.

[eddie mac]

Terrible, saddening news for all those with links to the Broncos organisation. My heart goes out to his family and friends who will surely miss such a talented and determined young man.

RIP Damien and we'll never forget you.

[bpc]

Can't say anything more than you all have already stated. Just a sad turn of events for the Nash family, the Broncos, and everybody involved. The guy had a real chance with a full offseason to take the HB position. He was a darkhorse but I do not think there was one of us that wasn't impressed with the aggression that the guy ran the ball with.

This is just really unfortunate. I don't know what this does to the Broncos but it has to cut deep. Two players from last years 60+ roster are now passed.

RIP to both DWill and DNash. :(

[Rock Chalk]

Yeah, this is getting real old.

Waking up once to the death of a Bronco is bad enough. Waking up twice in less than 2 months to the death of Broncos is just not ****ing fair.

Two Bronco families to suffer untimely tragedies to start off the year. Just when I was getting over Darrent too.

[Fusionfrontman]

It's unreal...Saddens me to hear he has a family too that now has lost a father/husband. This really is going to take a toll of the hearts of the PLayers and personel. I cant imagine.
RIP Damien...you will be missed

[heydensmom]

RIP Nash..

[SDfaiderhater]

jesus it seems like i was just over here givin condolences to Darrent Williams...

sorry to hear about another player of yours dying, its horrible, my prayers to his family.

[Hogan11]

My God....R.I.P. Damien :(

[RAIDERSSUCK]

Too young too die for both our Broncos. Rest In Peace Broncos.

[Bronco LB 59]

RIP Damien Nash

I will always feel proud to have attended Nash's first regular season Bronco game and his best performance as a pro on SNF against San Diego.

[El Guapo]

RIP Damien.

Next year we have two individuals to play for. :(

[milehimike]

This is too much, UNREAL!!!

[Sassy]

RIP Damien.

Next year we have two individuals to play for. :(

...and Pat Bowlen's mom...

[Taco John]

I can't believe this offseason...

RIP Damien.

[broncosteven]

My thoughts are with his family.

[chaz]

so so sad....and way too young...

can't imagine what his wife and daughter are going through...

[milehimike]

Rip Damien

[boltaneer]

Twice in two months. Unbelievable. And both were taken way too young...

Condolences once again guys.

[Orange_Beard]

I am speechless.

My thoughts are with his family.

[Rocket 7]

Rip

[Natedogg]

This happened to my friend too. I don't think there is a god.

[ro_50]

One of my best friends died in January of 2006 when he was at karoki (spelling) bar.

He was healthy, never had a problem w/ his heart and he just collapsed and died.

He wasn't drunk, no drugs, NOTHING.

His heart just gave out. He was 25.

He left behind two grieved stricken parents and a younger sister who is confined to a wheelchair.

He switched fields from engineering to medical, because he wanted to make a difference in this world.

RIP DIBYA and Damien Nash, Hank Gathers, and the others taken from us far too soon.

[TexanBob]

Ugg...Will will digest this faster because it wasn't a violent death...It still sucks...They should of looked at his heart carefully but playing in the NFL was his dream no doubt. I guess he had a bad ticker too. 24 is a little bit absurd for a heart attack.

My guess is that the brother who needed a heart transplant was roughly the same age and that Damien may have had a similar heart defect that eventually led to this, similar to what happened to college basketball star Hank Gathers and former Celtics star Reggie Lewis. The patient seems to be perfectly normal and then, in one swift moment, collapses and dies when the heart stops working.

Terribly sad and shocking for his friends and family.

As far as the Broncos are concerned, it might make them think twice about dealing Tatum Bell now and it could mean they will look more seriously at a RB on the first day of the draft or perhaps trade for someone like Thomas Jones or Willis Magahee.

It's quite a shock for the team, though, to have to deal with this twice in such a short time span. If there is any consolation, it is better that this happened in the off-season and not in the middle of the season.

[2 Minute Warning]

Very sad news indeed, my heart goes out to his family and friends.

[Cito Pelon]

RIP, Damien Nash. My condolences to the Nash family.

[OrangeShadow]

i dont even know words that can describe this

RIP

[RunSilentRunDeep]

RIP. I hope NFLPA is just as aggressive in setting up a fund for Nash's wife and child as it was for D-Will's.

[broncos love]

Man this sucks and when it rains it pours. Rip Damien and hopefully this is the last bad news about the Broncos Organazation for a long time.

[Dudeskey]

Wow, this is a shock... thoughts & prayers go to everyone that knew and loved him...

[Barry Ramey]

RIP Damien Nash. Gone way too soon.

[Odysseus]

Right around my birthday a San Francisco player dies in Invesco field. The next year Darrent Williams dies and before this season even starts Damien Nash dies. That is a lot of death for one team to be around. I'm sure Javon Walker has to have a different view on this.

How do you mourn for DWill without including this in the tribute. How many arm bands can one team wear?

My thoughts go out the team and family. Rest in peace Damien.

[jbiel]

RIP Damien

[Sassy]

DENVER -- Denver Broncos reserve running back Damien Nash died Saturday after he collapsed in front of his wife and 7-month-old girl.

Nash had just come home from a charity basketball game he had organized in his brother's honor. His brother had a heart transplant last month.

The cause of Nash's death remained unclear Sunday.


After one son's death and a heart ailment that caused another son to require a transplant last year, Nash's mother, Kim Nash, said she is taking her daughter to a cardiologist next week.

"My son," she said amid sobs, "is giving me the strength right now to talk."

Damien Nash collapsed in his suburban St. Louis home after returning by limousine with his wife, Judy Nash, and their daughter from a game at his high school to benefit The Darris Nash Find a Heart Foundation. The organization raises money for heart transplant research.

The 24-year-old player was taken by ambulance to Christian Hospital Northeast, where he was pronounced dead. The hospital's nursing supervisor, Maria St. George, said the hospital dispatched an ambulance as soon as it received the call.

The St. Louis County medical examiner's office said results of an autopsy scheduled for Sunday may not be known for days.

Dr. Gregory Ewald, a cardiologist, treated 25-year-old Darris Nash and said he had a weakened heart muscle condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. The ailment can be caused by a viral infection, inflammation or other causes. Darris Nash became so ill he needed a mechanical device to support his circulation until he could get a transplant, he said.

Ewald said some cardiomyopathy conditions run in families. He said he never met Damien Nash, but "the fact that Damien was doing high-level athletics may indicate that was not the problem."

The death comes less than two months after the still unsolved slaying of Broncos teammate Darrent Williams. Damien Nash's agent, David Canter, said the Broncos were trying to contact teammates, who have scattered for the offseason. Funeral arrangements were not yet set.

"The Denver Broncos organization is once again struck with profound sadness over the tragic loss of one of our players," team owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "This is a tremendous tragedy and our hearts go out to the entire Nash family."

Canter said that Nash had four physicals since 2004 and was in good health. He said the Broncos planned their own investigation.

Canter said Nash had been ecstatic last week organizing the charity game. His client's high school coach, Darren Sunkett, said Nash had invited some NFL players from the St. Louis area and some former University of Missouri players. He was talking to a cousin when he collapsed.

The agent said dozens of family members had gathered at Nash's house for a celebration or were en route when he died. Judy Nash, he said, recalled that her husband hadn't been drinking or partying, adding that "all he cares about is his daughter and this event."

Canter said Nash's friends and family take comfort in knowing that in his last moments he was surrounded by "every single person that loves him, that he loved and that loved him back."

Sunkett, whom Nash followed from Riverview Gardens High School in suburban St. Louis to East St. Louis (Ill.) High School, added: "He was a very humble, bright kid, always funny and enthusiastic. ... You couldn't dislike him."

A fifth-round draft choice by Tennessee in 2005, Nash played in three games for the Titans. The Broncos signed him as a free agent last season. He played in three games, rushing for 66 yards on 18 carries. In his two-year career, he had 24 carries for 98 yards and seven receptions for 55 yards.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said the Tigers were in shock over Nash's death, which happened less than two years after Missouri football player Aaron O'Neal died during summer workouts in 2005.

News of Nash's death spread quickly to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, the school he attended before heading to Missouri.

"They don't make them no better than Damien," Coffeyville running backs coach Dickie Rolls said. "He was such a competitor."

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...20/detail.html

[Drunk Monkey]

Sad news, RIP Nash.

[Los Broncos]

OMG, rest in peace.

[watermock]

How do you mourn for DWill without including this in the tribute. How many arm bands can one team wear?


They can put both numbers on a black band. Or have two helmet stickers if the No Fun League doesn't get snotty.

[broncoblue]

just heard this ,not been online over the weekend...god bless fella rip ...speechless

[REB]

geez, just 24 yo. RIP Damien

[dbfan21]

DENVER -- Denver Broncos reserve running back Damien Nash died Saturday after he collapsed in front of his wife and 7-month-old girl.

Nash had just come home from a charity basketball game he had organized in his brother's honor. His brother had a heart transplant last month.

The cause of Nash's death remained unclear Sunday.


After one son's death and a heart ailment that caused another son to require a transplant last year, Nash's mother, Kim Nash, said she is taking her daughter to a cardiologist next week.

"My son," she said amid sobs, "is giving me the strength right now to talk."

Damien Nash collapsed in his suburban St. Louis home after returning by limousine with his wife, Judy Nash, and their daughter from a game at his high school to benefit The Darris Nash Find a Heart Foundation. The organization raises money for heart transplant research.

The 24-year-old player was taken by ambulance to Christian Hospital Northeast, where he was pronounced dead. The hospital's nursing supervisor, Maria St. George, said the hospital dispatched an ambulance as soon as it received the call.

The St. Louis County medical examiner's office said results of an autopsy scheduled for Sunday may not be known for days.

Dr. Gregory Ewald, a cardiologist, treated 25-year-old Darris Nash and said he had a weakened heart muscle condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy. The ailment can be caused by a viral infection, inflammation or other causes. Darris Nash became so ill he needed a mechanical device to support his circulation until he could get a transplant, he said.

Ewald said some cardiomyopathy conditions run in families. He said he never met Damien Nash, but "the fact that Damien was doing high-level athletics may indicate that was not the problem."

The death comes less than two months after the still unsolved slaying of Broncos teammate Darrent Williams. Damien Nash's agent, David Canter, said the Broncos were trying to contact teammates, who have scattered for the offseason. Funeral arrangements were not yet set.

"The Denver Broncos organization is once again struck with profound sadness over the tragic loss of one of our players," team owner Pat Bowlen said in a statement. "This is a tremendous tragedy and our hearts go out to the entire Nash family."

Canter said that Nash had four physicals since 2004 and was in good health. He said the Broncos planned their own investigation.

Canter said Nash had been ecstatic last week organizing the charity game. His client's high school coach, Darren Sunkett, said Nash had invited some NFL players from the St. Louis area and some former University of Missouri players. He was talking to a cousin when he collapsed.

The agent said dozens of family members had gathered at Nash's house for a celebration or were en route when he died. Judy Nash, he said, recalled that her husband hadn't been drinking or partying, adding that "all he cares about is his daughter and this event."

Canter said Nash's friends and family take comfort in knowing that in his last moments he was surrounded by "every single person that loves him, that he loved and that loved him back."

Sunkett, whom Nash followed from Riverview Gardens High School in suburban St. Louis to East St. Louis (Ill.) High School, added: "He was a very humble, bright kid, always funny and enthusiastic. ... You couldn't dislike him."

A fifth-round draft choice by Tennessee in 2005, Nash played in three games for the Titans. The Broncos signed him as a free agent last season. He played in three games, rushing for 66 yards on 18 carries. In his two-year career, he had 24 carries for 98 yards and seven receptions for 55 yards.

Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said the Tigers were in shock over Nash's death, which happened less than two years after Missouri football player Aaron O'Neal died during summer workouts in 2005.

News of Nash's death spread quickly to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, the school he attended before heading to Missouri.

"They don't make them no better than Damien," Coffeyville running backs coach Dickie Rolls said. "He was such a competitor."

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...20/detail.html

I saw the news relaease over the weekend and was shocked and confused. After reading this story, I am heartbroken again. This season may be an emotionally draining one for the Broncos. I hope that the team can just pull together and use each other for strength and support.

RIP Damien.

[Old Dude]

R.I.P. Damien.

[Sassy]

Canter added that Nash was also giddy about his future with the Broncos, a future that was tragically truncated when he collapsed and died Saturday in St. Louis.

"At the end of the season, I told him about a conversation I had with (General Manager) Ted Sundquist and (Head Coach) Mike (Shanahan in January), about what their expectations were for him and what he needed to do to get ready for the football season," Canter said. "At the end of the year, we signed another year onto his contract, the exclusive(-rights) year, because he was only on a one-year deal with Denver. He was tremendously excited about the opportunity.
"He'd just gotten married; he'd just had a baby in April of last year. His wife's tremendous; his daughter's seven months old. He's just a great guy. If you look at any pictures of Damien outside of the football field, he's got a huge smile on his face. (He was) a real happy-go-lucky young man.

"He had his whole life ahead of him. It hasn't hit us."

Taken from an article on Denverbroncos.com

[Crushaholic]

Canter added that Nash was also giddy about his future with the Broncos, a future that was tragically truncated when he collapsed and died Saturday in St. Louis.

"At the end of the season, I told him about a conversation I had with (General Manager) Ted Sundquist and (Head Coach) Mike (Shanahan in January), about what their expectations were for him and what he needed to do to get ready for the football season," Canter said. "At the end of the year, we signed another year onto his contract, the exclusive(-rights) year, because he was only on a one-year deal with Denver. He was tremendously excited about the opportunity.
"He'd just gotten married; he'd just had a baby in April of last year. His wife's tremendous; his daughter's seven months old. He's just a great guy. If you look at any pictures of Damien outside of the football field, he's got a huge smile on his face. (He was) a real happy-go-lucky young man.

"He had his whole life ahead of him. It hasn't hit us."

Taken from an article on Denverbroncos.com

This article is another proof that life isn't fair. The good character people are taken early. It's a shame...

[worm]

God bless the Nash family.

[RAIDERCZAR]

Hey guys, haven't posted in a long time. Just wanted to come by and offer my condolonces. My thoughts and prayers go out to both the Williams and Nash families, the Bronco organization, and their fans.

Rivalry aside, you just hate to see such young guys lose their lives with so much ahead of them.

[Garcia Bronco]

Hey guys, haven't posted in a long time. Just wanted to come by and offer my condolonces. My thoughts and prayers go out to both the Williams and Nash families, the Bronco organization, and their fans.

Rivalry aside, you just hate to see such young guys lose their lives with so much ahead of them.

Welcome back

[Sassy]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nash's funeral set for Monday
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 02/27/2007 12:21:14 AM MST
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_5311702

As the St. Louis County medical examiner's office worked on finding out what killed Damien Nash, funeral arrangements for the Broncos running back were being finalized.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis.

St. Louis County Chief Medical Examiner Mary Case said Monday the complete autopsy results to determine the cause of death might take weeks. Case said preliminary autopsy results did not determine a cause of death, adding that there were no detectable heart problems that led to Nash's death.

"That is not unusual," Case said. "Unfortunately, when young people die there is often no obvious reason. That's why we have to go through this process."

Case said it will be at least eight weeks and as long as 12 weeks to get the results from a complete autopsy, including toxicology results.

"This will be a very long process and we won't know anything before then," Case said.

Nash, 24, died suddenly Saturday night at his suburban St. Louis home after attending his own charity basketball event to support a fund for his older brother Darris, 25, who had a heart transplant Jan. 1, 2006. Darris Nash first realized he had a heart defect after he collapsed while playing basketball two years ago. Damien Nash, who signed with Denver in August, appeared in three games for the Broncos last fall.

Nash will be buried at the Lake Charles Cemetery in St. Louis immediately after the services Monday. The funeral and a wake Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church, will be open to the public, according to Nash's agent, David Canter.

There will be a Broncos contingent at the service, but because it is the offseason and players are scattered throughout the country, they will be on their own to attend the funeral. Nash is the second Broncos player to die in less than two months. Starting right cornerback Darrent Williams, 24, was shot and killed in downtown Denver in an unsolved drive-by shooting in the early hours of Jan. 1.

[SkinRamon]

May Nash rest in peace. It's a terrible thing for a young man with so much ahead of him to lose his life. Best regards to the Nash family and the Bronco community.

[ro_50]

The saddest part of all, he leaves behind a 7-month old kid and wife. They will mourn FOREVER. My heart goes out to them before FIRST and FOREMOST.