Body of former NFL player James Hardy found in Indiana river
The body found in an Indiana river earlier this week was identified on Thursday as that of former NFL player James Hardy III. He was 31-years-old.
Police in Fort Wayne, Indiana, were called to the scene on the Maumee River after a water plant worker found Hardy's body while investigating a foul odor coming from a log jam, according to a local NBC News station.
Hardy's family reported him missing on May 30.
According to the Allen Co. Coroner's Office, his family had reported him missing weeks ago. MORE:https://t.co/895XXpyQwJpic.twitter.com/uT4RolR2jn
— Fort Wayne's NBC (@FortWaynesNBC) June 8, 2017
The wide receiver had a stand-out career at Indiana University -- where he also play basketball for two years. Hardy was then drafted in the 2nd-round in 2008 by the Buffalo Bills.
"We are saddened to learn of the passing of James Hardy today," the Bills said in a statement on Thursday. "We send our condolences to the Hardy family as they deal with this tragic loss."
Our support is with the Hardy family after the passing of former Bills WR James Hardy. pic.twitter.com/4ZgLDUwyPA
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 8, 2017
Hardy played four seasons in the NFL.
In 2014, Hardy was committed to a mental facility after attacking multiple police officers.
