The former “Thunder” Dallas Cowboy running back Marion “The Barbarian” Barber III was found dead in his apartment by Frisco Police after a welfare check stemming from a water leak coming from his apartment according to reports from the Dallas Star-Telegram. The cause of death is still being investigated and no further information has been released in this developing story.

Barber’s passing comes a week before his 39th birthday, he is remembered by many as being the “Thunder” running back a long side “Lighting: counterpart, running back Julius Jones. The Dallas Cowboys released the following statement:

“We are heartbroken by the tragic death of Marion Barber III,” the Dallas Cowboys said in a statement.
“Marion was an old-school, hard-nosed football player who ran with the will to win every down. He had a passion for the game and love for his coaches and teammates.”
“Our hearts go out to Marion’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Dallas Cowboys

A star at the University of Minnesota, Barber was a fourth round draft pick accumulating 4,780 rushing yards and 53 touchdowns over the course of 99 career games. Cowboy fans recall his “Barbarian” style of running the ball, running through tacklers rather than making them miss. According to a source, the Dallas Star-Telegram mentioned that Barber had been hospitalized twice since his 2012 retirement for mental health evaluations.

Source: Dallas Star-Telegram