Rondale Moore, 25, Found Dead in Indiana; Autopsy Planned After Suspected Suicide
Updated (4 articles)
Death Confirmed Saturday Night in Southern Indiana Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin verified that NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore was found deceased on Saturday night in a garage in southern Indiana, and an autopsy is scheduled for Sunday [1][2][3]. The coroner emphasized there is no public safety threat and declined to release further details pending the examination [1]. Moore was 25 years old at the time of his death [2][3].
Police Identify Likely Self‑Inflicted Gunshot New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey reported that investigators discovered Moore with a wound consistent with a self‑inflicted gunshot, indicating suicide as the probable cause [2][3]. The finding was based on the location of the wound and the circumstances of the discovery in the garage [2][3]. Authorities have not released the official autopsy results yet [1].
College Stardom and NFL Draft Details Moore starred at Purdue University, recording 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman in 2018, earning first‑team All‑American honors [1][2][3]. He was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after a celebrated collegiate career [1]. His professional résumé also includes stints with the Atlanta Falcons and a 2025 roster spot with the Minnesota Vikings [1][2][3].
Injuries Curtailed Attempts with Falcons and Vikings A dislocated right knee suffered during Atlanta Falcons training camp in 2024 prevented Moore from appearing in a regular‑season game for the team [1]. He later joined the Vikings in 2025 but was placed on injured reserve after a punt‑return injury in the first exhibition game [1][2][3]. These setbacks limited his ability to reestablish a lasting NFL presence [1].
Coach Jeff Brohm Honors Moore’s Character Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm, who coached Moore at Purdue, issued a tribute describing him as “a complete joy to coach,” highlighting his work ethic, competitiveness, and team‑first attitude [1][2][3]. Brohm’s statements were shared on social media and included thoughts and prayers for Moore’s family [1][2][3]. The coach’s remarks underscore the personal impact Moore had on teammates and mentors alike [1].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Rondale Moore, 25, Found Dead in Indiana; Career Highlights and Tributes Reported: Summarizes death confirmation, autopsy schedule, detailed career timeline including 2024 knee injury and 2025 punt‑return injury, and features Jeff Brohm’s tribute.
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2.
WBNS: NFL Receiver Rondale Moore Dies at 25 in Indiana: Confirms death with suspected self‑inflicted gunshot, emphasizes high‑school and college achievements, notes Vikings IR placement, and includes Brohm’s statement.
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3.
King5: NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore dies at 25 in Indiana: Mirrors WBNS details, adds police chief’s suicide inference, repeats career overview, and highlights Brohm’s tribute.
Timeline
2016 – Rondale Moore wins a state basketball championship with New Albany High School, showcasing his multi‑sport talent early on[3].
2017 – He transfers to Trinity High School in Louisville and helps the team capture a state football title, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer[3].
2018 – As a Purdue freshman, Moore records 114 receptions for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning first‑team All‑American honors and drawing national attention[3].
2024 – During Atlanta Falcons training camp, Moore dislocates his right knee, missing the entire season and never appearing in a regular‑season game[1].
2025 – He signs with the Minnesota Vikings, but a punt‑return injury in the first exhibition game lands him on injured reserve before the regular season begins, ending his comeback attempt[1].
Nov 1, 2025 – Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola suffers a broken leg against USC, forcing him to miss the Cornhuskers’ final four games of the season[2].
Dec 2025 – Oregon loses the College Football Playoff semifinal to Indiana 56‑22; quarterback Dante Moore throws for 285 yards with an interception and two fumbles, leaving his NFL‑draft decision undecided[2].
Jan 12, 2026 – Raiola announces on social media his transfer from Nebraska to Oregon, outlining a possible redshirt year in 2026 and a starting role in 2027 if he remains behind Moore[2].
Jan 12, 2026 – Oregon’s quarterback depth shifts as backups Austin Novosad and Luke Moga enter the transfer portal, signaling further roster turnover ahead of the 2026 season[2].
Feb 22, 2026 – Floyd County Coroner Matthew Tomlin confirms Rondale Moore’s death in a southern Indiana garage, notes no public threat and schedules an autopsy for the following day[1].
Feb 22, 2026 – New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey reports the wound appears to be a self‑inflicted gunshot, indicating suicide as the likely cause of death[3].
Feb 22, 2026 – Louisville head coach Jeff Brohm issues a tribute, calling Moore “a complete joy to coach” and praising his work ethic, competitiveness, and teammate spirit[3].
Feb 23, 2026 – The scheduled autopsy is set to take place, providing the next step in determining the official cause of death[1].
2026 season (future) – Raiola is expected to redshirt, preserving eligibility and positioning himself to start for Oregon in 2027, aligning with his long‑term development plan[2].
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External resources (1 links)
- https://x.com/JeffBrohm/status/2025385271273951328 (cited 1 times)