An autopsy conducted by the Mecklenburg Medical Examiner reveals that NFL wide receiver Chris Henry died of blunt force trauma to the head due to falling from the truck driven by fiancee Loleini Tonga.
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police spokeswoman says Tonga pulled over after Henry fell off to assist him. Though the incident was deemed an “accident”, police have not yet cleared Tonga, reports USA Today.
Meanwhile a friend of Tonga’s is stepping out in defense of the 25-year-old mom. “I know people will say, ‘Why didn’t she stop?'” Lori Williams told the paper. “We don’t know … but in the times that I knew Loleini — and I knew Loleini — she would not harm anyone.”
Henry’s funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, December 22 in his native of Belle Chasse, Louisiana. His Cincinnati Bengals teammates are expected to attend.
Read more of our coverage of the Chris Henry tragedy.
Chris Henry is one of many athletes who have suffered untimely deaths through the years. To remember other athletes who have passed away tragically, click here.