Former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Hessley Hempstead is reportedly dead at 49.
The Upland, California, native’s death was reported by the NFLPA Alumni via Twitter on Monday morning:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Hess Hempstead. After retiring from the Detroit Lions, he was a fixture at events and Charlotte Chapter activities, always with a smile and willingness to help his #NFLPAFraternity and community. He will be missed by all who knew him.”
A seventh-round draft pick by the Lions out of Kansas in 1995, Hempstead spent three seasons with the Lions before suffering a knee injury.