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Ex-Florida football player commits suicide

 
Published March 2, 2015

GAINESVILLE — Chris Johnson, a former Florida football player who transferred in 2013 and played two seasons at Duquesne, died Friday of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Allegheny County, Pa., medical examiner's office said. He was 22.

Johnson, an Ocala native, was found in a car Friday morning outside of Pittsburgh. A senior defensive back last year, he had 104 tackles and two interceptions combined in 2013 and 2014.

"Everyone associated with the Duquesne football program is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Chris," coach Jerry Schmitt said in a statement.

Several former Gators took to Twitter to express sadness over Johnson's death.

Defensive tackle Dominique Easley, now with the Patriots, wrote: "R.I.P. Ju man they ain't lying when they say the good die young forreal."

Linebacker Jelani Jenkins, now with the Dolphins, wrote: "Can't even sleep, still in shock."

Information from the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette was used in this report. Contact Antonya English at aegnlish@tampabay.com. Follow @TBTimes_Gators.