Christopher Henry, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, tragically passed away on December 17, 2009. His death occurred after he fell out of the back of a moving truck following a domestic dispute with his fiancée. He was 26 years old.
Chris Henry in 2008
Early Life and College Career
Henry was born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. He was named New Orleans small schools offensive player of the year during his senior year at Belle Chasse High School. In 2003, while at West Virginia University, he earned Big East Conference freshman of the year and All-Big East second-team honors after catching 41 passes for 1,006 yards and 10 touchdowns.
NFL Career
The Death of Chris Henry
Henry was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft. He made his NFL debut on September 18, 2005, against the Minnesota Vikings. In his rookie season, he had 31 receptions for 422 yards and six touchdowns. In his second season, Henry totaled 605 yards on 36 receptions for nine touchdowns, with an average of 16.8 yards per catch.
Legal Issues and Suspensions
Henry faced multiple legal issues during his NFL career. On December 15, 2005, he was pulled over for speeding, and marijuana was found in his shoes. One month later, he was arrested in Orlando, Florida, for multiple gun charges. In April 2007, Henry was suspended for the first eight games of the 2007 NFL season for violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy. His suspension came with a stern warning that future misconduct may result in the end of his career with the NFL.
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Death and Aftermath
On December 17, 2009, Henry died at Carolinas Medical Center from injuries sustained in a domestic dispute. Police confirmed that Henry died of blunt force trauma to the head. Three days after Henry's death, the Bengals played the San Diego Chargers, and a moment of silence was held before kickoff. Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, a close friend of Henry's, openly wept during the silence.
After his death, Henry's mother made the decision to donate his organs for transplant.
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
In June 2010, the Brain Injury Research Institute of West Virginia University released a report that Henry had developed a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during his playing career due to multiple hard hits to the head. The discovery that Henry had CTE has become a serious issue of concern for football and brain safety, especially since Henry was relatively young and had never been diagnosed with a concussion in any of his five NFL seasons or during his college career at West Virginia.
CTE Progression
Heatstroke in Football
The dangers of heatstroke for football players first captured national attention in 2001, when Pro Bowl offensive tackle Korey Stringer of the Minnesota Vikings collapsed and died at the NFL team's first practice of the preseason. As a result, the NFL made several modifications to its policies regarding health and safety at practices. According to data from the University of North Carolina’s National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury, 11 football players have died from heatstroke during football-related activity over the past five years - with the total rising to 68 over the last 25 years.
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Notable Cases of Heatstroke in Football
- 2018: Jordan McNair, Maryland
- 2017: Tyler Heintz, Kent State
- 2014: Marquese Meadow, Morgan State
- 2008: Chad Wiley, North Carolina A&T
- 2001: Eraste Autin, Florida
Prevention and Treatment of Heatstroke
The best way to prevent heatstroke is by taking precautions before any physical activity takes place. Athletes should be aware of their body weight and physical fitness limitations, especially when first starting workouts. Any player who shows signs of disorientation, staggering, decreased performance, or profuse sweating should be removed from play immediately for a medical assessment. If so, the player should be placed upright in a tub filled with ice water.
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