By Simon Evans
MIAMI (Reuters) - Denver Broncos wide receiver Kenny McKinley died Monday at the age of 23 in an apparent suicide, police said.
"It is an ongoing matter however our initial investigation indicates he died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Right now that is the status," the Arapahoe County Sheriff, J. Grayson Robinson, told Reuters by telephone.
"He was in the home alone when the incident happened," he added.
The tragedy is the second to hit the Broncos in recent years following the murder of cornerback Darrent Williams in a drive-by shooting in 2007.
"Everyone with the Broncos is shocked and saddened by the loss of Kenny McKinley," team president Pat Bowlen said in a statement.
"He was part of the Broncos family and will be greatly missed by our organization. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Kenny's family and friends."
McKinley, a fifth-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, played in eight games with the Broncos as a rookie.
He was placed on injured reserve prior to the start of the 2010 season after suffering a knee injury.
"This is a tragic loss for our football team, and his family is in all of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Steve Ginsburg)
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