Posted on 08/22/2007 5:09:11 AM PDT by RDTF
HOUSTON (AP) -- Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash, the Harris County medical examiner's office said Tuesday.
Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultuous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001. He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.
"The cause of death and manner of death, which also includes toxicology results, is pending," said Beverly Begay, chief investigator for the Harris County Medical Examiner's office.
Griffin, a five-year veteran who was the No. 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft, had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. He was suspended by the league for five games in January for violating its anti-drug program.
"Basketball was never an issue with him. He needed more life lessons, and unfortunately he was never able to reach his potential," former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey said.
Houston police said in a report that the driver of the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday. The resulting fire burned the SUV and the side of a railcar carrying plastic granules, police said.
The driver's body was badly burned and there was no identification.
"I was able this afternoon to get some dental records from the one dentist he had gone to see in Houston, and they were able to use that apparently to positively identify him," said Derek S. Hollingsworth, an attorney who has represented Griffin in criminal cases.
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(Excerpt) Read more at sportsillustrated.cnn.com ...
There’s always some poor dumb sucker who thinks he can beat the train.
Condolences to Eddie Griffin’s family and friends.
It sounds like he hit the train, like there was no thought of beating it...no id...suicide?
sounds like a 1:30am and impaired tragic mistake to me
In the eternal David and Goliath struggle between Car and Train, bet on Goliath.
Like; when a train and an SUV collide, the train always wins?
Suicide by fraight train
Been some crazy athlete related deaths this year.
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