Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend speaks out for first time since his death

Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, was seen leaving an apartment building in Plano, Texas, where he had lived before his death by suicide last week, as seen in photos obtained by The Daily Mail.

Mancera, who was photographed with Kneeland’s sister, Yahmya, 26, outside the luxury complex, said she is “grieving hard” and helping with funeral arrangements for the 24-year-old Kneeland.

“I’m grieving hard right now. It will be a long time before I’ll feel ready to talk at any length,” Mancera said. 

“We’re still in the early stages of everything. We are working on the funeral arrangements. I don’t know where it’s going to be yet.”

Mancera would not speculate on Kneeland’s suicide, adding, “It’s too much.”

Kneeland died by suicide following a police pursuit Wednesday night into early Thursday on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Kneeland was found dead at 1:31 a.m. from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco police, who said they received information from Mancera during the pursuit that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.

According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports, an operator stated that Kneeland’s girlfriend said she received a concerning message from Kneeland and was trying to contact the defensive end’s agent.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.