Former Colts RB Zurlon Tipton Dies After Freak Accident
Former Colts RB Zurlon Tipton dies after a freak accident Tuesday in Michigan
Former Indianapolis Colts undrafted free agent Zurlon Tipton passed away Tuesday morning after suffering an accidental gunshot wound to his abdomen.
According to local reports, Tipton was unloading a duffel bag from his car at a dealership when a firearm accidentally discharged inside the bag.
Tipton was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was just 26-years-old.
Former Colts RB Zurlon Tipton died today in an accidental shooting at a Michigan car dealership.... https://t.co/JcvhzmQJNr
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 28, 2016
The Michigan resident scored 35 touchdowns in 35 games over four years at Central Michigan. During his junior year he rushed for nearly 1,500 yards, and had 19 touchdowns on the ground.
During his two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Tipton played in 16 games and had one receiving touchdown in the regular season. He also had scored the Colts lone touchdown in the “DeflateGate” game against the Patriots in the Conference Championship two seasons ago.
Former teammates of Tipton expressed their sorrow on social media once the news broke Tuesday afternoon.
Rest Easy 37!! All love Brodie!!! Gone but not forgotten.
— Donte Moncrief (@drm_12) June 28, 2016
#RIPLilBro #ZTip so sad!
— ROBERT MATHIS QBH8r (@RobertMathis98) June 28, 2016
My heart & prayers go out to the family of Zurlon Tipton. A young talent & great teammate. #37🙏🏻
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) June 28, 2016
Tipton’s untimely passing comes on a day already filled with sorrow throughout the sports world with the passing of former Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summit and NFL defensive guru Buddy Ryan in the morning.
Neither the Tipton family nor the Indianapolis Colts have announced any memorial plans to honor Zurlon as of Tuesday afternoon.