Inside The Death Of Former New Orleans Saints Player Glenn Foster Jr.
Glenn Foster Jr. has died. The former New Orleans Saints football player was just 31 years old and tragically died on December 6 in police custody, two days after being arrested. It's believed that Foster Jr. was in Atlanta for a business trip.
Foster Jr. died of "unexplained causes," passing away while being transported by the Pickens County Sheriff's Office from the jail he was being held in to a medical facility, his father, Glenn Foster Sr., confirmed to The Washington Post. It's reported that when the former football player arrived at the medical facility, he was already unresponsive and could not be revived.
The tragedy began when Foster Jr. was arrested on December 4 after allegedly speeding, according to Chief Richard Black of the Reform Police Department, who spoke to NOLA.com. A chase ensued and Foster Jr. was arrested after a spike strip was set down to blow out his tires. Foster Jr. was booked on counts of reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, and attempt to elude.
Foster Jr.'s family reportedly made arrangements to pay his bail and have him checked over at a hospital, as his father explained he had been experiencing bipolar disorder and had also gotten into a "small, minor tussle" with officers (via NOLA.com). However, Foster Jr.'s family were told when they arrived at prison on December 5 that he'd been involved in an "altercation" with an inmate and placed under the sheriff's office's jurisdiction, being released and rebooked within minutes.
What Glenn Foster Jr.'s family said about his death
Glenn Foster Jr.'s father, Glenn Foster Sr., spoke candidly about his son's death to The Washington Post, telling the outlet, "He arrived to his death. I don't know what happened with him physically while he was in the jail because they wouldn't let us see him." He added to NOLA.com, "We want justice for our son, It's unfair. It's inhumane. It's just not right."
His mom, Sabrina Foster, has also spoken out about the tragic loss of her son, saying, "I can't get my son back, but we want whoever is responsible to pay for this." The former NFL star's family also reportedly expressed concern that Foster Jr., a father of four, did not get the "potentially life-saving care" he needed in time.
Foster's autopsy results have not yet been publicly confirmed, with CNN reporting that "The Pickens County Coroner declined to disclose the cause of death when asked." The investigation into exactly what happened leading up to Foster Jr.'s death has been turned over to The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, according to CBS News.
Retired Saint Drew Brees was one of those paying tribute to the star on social media. The quarterback shared a post on Instagram on December 8, writing, "My heart goes out to the family and friends of my former teammate Glenn Foster. I'll always remember his smile and positive nature."
We're sending our best wishes to Foster Jr.'s family at such a sad time.