Former NFL Star, Tipton, Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead at a Car Dealership

Former NFL player, Zurlon Tipton, who played for the Indianapolis Colts reportedly died Tuesday at the age of 26.

Tipton, who played as a running back for the Colts accidentally shot and killed himself while dropping off a car at a dealership in Roseville, Michigan.

Daily Mail reports that Tipton, who had a young daughter, drove to the dealership Tuesday morning to get a transmission leak fixed. He then pulled out a duffel bag containing two guns. One of the guns went off and, according to police, Tipton was shot in the stomach.




Although he reported to the hospital in good condition and was able to talk, his conditioned quickly deteriorated and he later died. Authorities are treating the matter as an “accidental discharge” before a full autopsy is carried out Wednesday. No one else was hurt in the accident.

The handgun, a .45-caliber semi-automatic, belonged to Tipton, who had a concealed pistol license, Police Chief James Berlin said.

Tipton played for the Colts in 2014 and 2015, with 15 rushes for 28 yards and 11 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown catch over 16 career games. He was from nearby Sterling Heights and played in college at Central Michigan before getting his chance in the NFL with the Colts.

The Colts expressed their sorrow on Twitter after Tipton’s death was reported.

Just before last Christmas, Tipton was arrested for allegedly firing a weapon in Greenwood, Ind. Police found a loaded 9mm handgun and a loaded Colt AR-15 assault rifle in Tipton’s car at the time.