Former running back dies

By David Thiessen, Staff Writer

Published Feb. 27, 2007

Former Missouri running back Damien Nash collapsed and died after a charity basketball game in St. Louis on Saturday evening. The cause has not been determined.

Nash, 24, sponsored the basketball game to benefit The Darris Nash Find a Heart Foundation, which helps raise money for heart-transplant research. Nash founded the organization a month ago after Darris Nash, his older brother, received a heart transplant.

"It's hard to find words right now to express how tragic this is," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said in a statement. "We're in shock that Damien is gone. It's just something that leaves you speechless. Damien was a good person who was a special athlete. He had a very bright future in football, and beyond, and this is a big loss for our program and everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones. It's hard to believe that we could experience something like this again, after losing A.O. (Aaron O'Neal) less than two years ago."

Nash played for the Tigers in 2003 and 2004 before leaving for the NFL after his junior year. In 2004 he led MU in rushing with 792 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown.

He was drafted in the fifth round in 2005 by the Tennessee Titans with the 142nd pick overall and rushed for 32 yards on six carries. The Denver Broncos signed Nash for the 2006 season and he ran for 98 yards on 24 carries.

"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."