New England Patriots

Former Patriots second-round pick Ron Brace dies at 29

Published Apr. 24, 2016 7:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

Former New England Patriots defensive lineman Ron Brace died Saturday at the age of 29.

Springfield (Massachusetts) Police Department confirmed the news and said there was no obvious cause of death or signs of foul play, and that the investigation is ongoing, according to Masslive.com.

Brace, a 6-foot-3, 330-pound tackle was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He played in 39 NFL games with New England before injury struggles led to his release in 2012. He signed with the Redskins in 2013, but was released before the start of the regular season.

The Patriots released a statement following the news of Brace's death:

His alma mater, in addition to former Boston College and New England teammates also shared their condolences on social media:

We're shocked & saddened at the loss of our great #ronbrace #BCEagles hearts are heavy. Thoughts & prayers for his family & friends.
— BCFootballNews (@BCFootballNews) April 24, 2016

pic.twitter.com/QAQ9QvdTXY
— Al Washington (@CoachWash56) April 24, 2016

Rest in Peace bro...I'll always remember you smiling and telling jokes...gone way too soon ???? (D-Mac) pic.twitter.com/jLTFtNkpWA
— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) April 24, 2016