“So Sad, So Young”: NFL World in Deep Sorrow After Former Player Dies at 40 in a Mental Hospital

The NFL fandom might be in the vibe after the Super Bowl. But they also have to witness the loss of some football figures. Franco Harris died just days before his jersey retirement ceremony, which shocked fans. Moreover, not many are lucky like Damar Hamlin, either. The community is now mourning the loss of ex-Lions DB Stanley Wilson Jr.

The Detroit Lions and the fans recently saw the passing of former LB Jessie Lemonier in January 2023. But the point of relief was short-lived after Stanley Wilson Jr. died at age 40.

Ex-Lions RB Stanley Wilson Jr. died while in detention

As per TMZ Sports, former Detroit Lions cornerback Stanley Wilson Jr. passed away earlier this month in a mental health center. The cause of death remains a mystery as of this writing. He was being held in police custody on charges of vandalism. As per prosecutors, they proclaimed Wilson unfit to stand trial and sent him to a mental health center. But the authorities are considering an autopsy as he reportedly collapsed and died during intake.

After a successful four-year Stanford career, Stanley Wilson Jr. became the Detroit Lions’ third-round pick from the 2005 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Lions. But his career ended after suffering an Achilles injury. After that, he surrounded himself with extensive legal issues.

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The police arrested Wilson in 2016 concerning a burglary. He was reportedly naked when he got shot during an attempted break-in at a Portland residence. Months later, in 2017, he was arrested on suspicion of walking around a Portland neighborhood while naked. In 2017, they apprehended him for the third time following another purported attempted robbery. Wilson Jr. had a difficult time dealing with the law.

NFL fans share condolences to Wilson Jr.’s family

After the news broke, football fans mourned the loss of the former Lions athlete. A user looked sad about the loss of such a young personality.

A user felt for the family’s loss.

Another user called it a sad moment.

This user sent prayers to his family and friends.

Moreover, this user shared his thoughts and said RIP to the fallen one.

The user called it tragic what happened to a good-looking kid with a bright future.

This user is hopeful that no one gets numb to such tragic news.

This user founds it awful to learn about such losses of NFL athletes.

The passing of Stanley Wilson Jr. certainly raised some questions. Any development to the reports would be subject to reporting.

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