Alabama offensive tackle Aaron Douglas found dead
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The University of Alabama confirmed football player Aaron Douglas has been found dead near Jacksonville, Fla.
"It is a tragedy anytime you lose someone close to you and even more so when it is a member of your family," said Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. "Aaron was a part of our family and always will be a part of our family at Alabama. He was an outstanding young man and we were excited about what he had accomplished as a player and a person in the short time he was with us."
Fernandina Beach (Fla.) police chief Jim Hurley spoke to the media Thursday. He said Douglas had dinner Wednesday with friends from Knoxville who had moved to the area. He was apparently went to party by a couple of local girls he met earlier that day.
Hurley said according to witnesses, Douglas arrived at the party between 11 and 11:30 CT, and was last seen at the house between 2 and 3 a.m. The next morning, Douglas' body was found outside on a balcony of the home.
When asked how Douglas died, Hurley said an autopsy would determine the cause of his death. Hurley did say alcohol was present at the party, and there was "talk of marijuana and other drugs." He said it was possible Douglas died of some kind of drug overdose, but that couldn't be confirmed until an autopsy was performed. There were no signs of trauma to the body.
Former Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy expressed his condolences on his Twitter account.
"RIP Aaron Douglas. Enjoyed what little time I spent with you and I know you will be watching over us."
Douglas was expected to compete for a starting spot at offensive tackle this fall after participating in spring practice in Tuscaloosa. He spent last season at Western Arizona Community College after starting 10 games and earning freshman All-America honors at Tennessee in 2009.
Lane Kiffin, who coached Douglas during his one season in Knoxville, commented on his death on Twitter.
"Just heard the horrible news of tragic incident w/Aaron Douglas. He was a great kid w/a huge heart. My thoughts & prayers r w/David & Karla."
A Tennessee native, his father David, played football for the Volunteers and his mother, Karla, started for school's basketball team for three seasons and was a member of Pat Summitt's first national championship team.
Contributing: WBIR in Knoxville, Tenn.
Follow Erick on Twitter at @erick_smith
