Drew Wahlroos, a former University of Colorado linebacker who went on to play in the NFL, died over the weekend from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest — the second well-known Buff to kill himself in the last year.
A representative of the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office said Wahlroos died on Saturday at the age of 37, and that his death has been ruled a suicide.
Originally from Poway, Calif., Wahlroos played for the Buffs from 1999 to 2002. After graduating, he briefly played in Europe before signing with the NFL’s St. Louis Rams, appearing in 21 games over two seasons, primarily on special teams.
Former CU guard Matt McChesney was a couple of years younger than Wahlroos, but got to play with him both as a Buff and for a short time when they were both on the Rams.
“We spent every day together when we were the only two Buffs on the team,” McChesney said. “He took me under his wing and treated me like a brother.”
Former CU Buff and NFL defensive lineman Justin Bannan was a year older than Wahlroos, but the two lived together for most of their time at CU and remained close even after their playing days.
“He’s my best friend,” Bannan said. “He exemplified what it meant to be a Buffalo. It’s been tough.”
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