Former CMU running back dies from accidental gun shot at Michigan car dealership


Former Central Michigan University football player Zurlon Tipton Jr. died Tuesday of an accidental gunshot wound he suffered at a car dealership parking lot in Roseville.

According to WJBK, Tipton pulled into Mike Riehl's Roseville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dearlership at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. While removing a duffel bag containing two guns inside from his trunk, police said one of the guns accidentally discharged striking Tipton in the stomach.

Tipton, from Detroit, was reportedly in fair condition and able to speak while being transported to the hospital, but later died from his injuries. He was 26.

“This is shocking and tragic news, and our condolences go out to Zurlon’s family and friends," Director of Athletics Dave Heeke said in a statement. "We knew Zurlon as a good guy, a captain and a student who grew as a person and a player on his way to getting his degree at CMU. What he did on the field in his career established him as one of the top running backs in CMU history.”

Tipton is the second CMU running back to die since 2012. Former running back Ontario Sneed, 25, died in August 2012.

Signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 as an undrafted free agent, Tipton was released from the organization on December 21, 2015.

The 6-foot-1, 231 pound running back is tied for fourth for all-time career rushing touchdowns in CMU history with 34. Tipton's 1,492 rushing yards during his junior season in 2012 ranks him second for most single-season yards in school history.

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