Ahmaad Galloway death: Former Alabama RB died of accidental overdose, say officials
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI: Ahmaad Galloway, the former University of Alabama running back who played for Tide from 1999 to 2002, reportedly died from an accidental overdose. The ex-football player succumbed to a lethal combination of fentanyl, ethanol, and xylazine, per the Office of the Medical Examiner in St Louis.
Galloway was just 42 years old when he was found dead at his home on January 9 after he failed to show up at his job as an eighth-grade teacher at Compton-Drew Middle School in St Louis. Susan Reid, the school's principal, said at the time that he showed no signs of trouble in the days leading up to his demise, adding that he had attended a students' basketball game just days prior to his death.
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'Ahmaad was always on time'
The father-of-two was discovered deceased during a welfare check, according to Reid. "Ahmaad was always on time, very responsible," she told WVTM13 just days after his demise. "So, we knew something might be wrong. There wasn't anything disrupted at Ahmaad's apartment, so we are thinking that it could have been a medical issue. The medical examiner is working to find out how Ahmaad died. The family is coming together from different parts of the country before deciding on funeral arrangements," she added at the time. Now, TMZ Sports has confirmed that the ex-football player died from overdosing on a lethal combination of fentanyl, ethanol, and xylazine.
Football career
Between 1999 and 2002, Galloway played for the Crimson Tide under coaches Mike Dubose and Dennis Franchione, rushing for 1,830 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was later selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round, but injuries he sustained at Alabama prevented him from playing in his rookie season. Later traded to the San Diego Chargers, he also played for the Scottish Claymores and Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe. After his NFL career came to an end in 2004, he went back to coaching high school football in Missouri, per Daily Mail.
"When Ahmaad arrived at Bama, he was humble, yet mature beyond his years," former Alabama offensive lineman Griff Redmill told WVTM13. He added, "He was mature and very put together — I knew right away that he was a person that could be my friend for life." Galloway is survived by his two children, Austin and Aubrey. "Ahmaad was always quiet and humble," his sister Kimberley Slaughter said. She added, "My brother loved football growing up and later loved his children Austin and Aubrey."
Team player reminisces Ahmaad
Chris James, a former defensive back for Alabama, remembered Galloway for his humor and recalled the unrivaled banter between him and cornerback Gerald "Smoke" Dixon in the locker room. Dennis Alexander, a former offensive lineman for the UA who is now a member of the Miles coaching staff, recalled their joint trips home. Galloway and Alexander, who are both from the Memphis region, frequently drove to and from UA during their time off, The Tennessean reported. "At that time there were a lot more country roads between Memphis and Tuscaloosa, and he'd honk at all these people out on their porches," Alexander reminisced. He added, "I asked if he knew them. He'd say, 'No, I'm just speaking to them, saying hello.'"
