Autopsy suggests Glenn Foster Jr likely died of 'neck compression, strangulation,' attorney says

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Friday, December 17, 2021
AL police investigating death of former NFL player, Chicago native
"He arrived to his death," his father said. "I don't know what happened with him physically while he was in the jail because they wouldn't let us see him."

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An independent autopsy for Chicago native Glenn Foster Jr. suggests the former NFL player may have died from "neck compressions and strangulation," his attorney released Friday.



The video featured is from a previous report.



Foster, 31, died at a medical facility in Northport, Alabama two days after he was taken into police custody on Dec. 4, officials said. He was allegedly found unresponsive in the back of a police cruiser once he arrived at the facility.



The preliminary findings indicate that Foster did not die of natural causes, according to attorney Ben Crump.



"The findings are deeply concerning and demand a full and transparent investigation into what happened," the legal team said in a statement.





The Alabama Bureau of Investigations, at the request of the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, is investigating Foster's death.



Foster attended high school at Mount Carmel before playing football at the University of Illinois and then later professionally with the New Orleans Saints.



RELATED: Mt. Carmel High School football community reeling after Glenn Foster Jr's death in custody



Foster's family said he had a wife and four children and lived in Louisiana. They said they are devastated by their loss.



Once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office.



Illinois State Rep. Kam Buckner, who represents the 26th District and chairs the House Black Caucus, tweeted about Foster's death, saying, "NO words right now. Rest Powerfully, Little Brother. From Chicago to Champaign to New Orleans. You left your mark everywhere you went. Glenn Foster, we love you bruh."





Crump is known for representing high-profile civil rights and wrongful death cases, such as George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Jacob Blake.

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