Ryan Freel Dead at 36

[Zito75]

So sad... Former Red & Cub Ryan Freel has reportedly committed suicide... My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/22/ryan-freel-commits-suicide-dead_n_2353907.html

[filihok]

So sad... Former Red & Cub Ryan Freel has reportedly committed suicide... My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2353907.html

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

No matter what problems you are dealing with, we want to help you find a reason to keep living. By calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255) you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7.

[filihok]

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=20192625&c_id=mlb#/copy

[bluesky5]

Crazy. He was one of my favorite players. Gruff looking utility guy, a hustler. I remember he made a bunch of great defensive plays the first couple weeks he came up with the Reds at a bunch of different positions.

[RubeBaker]

So sad that this is right before Christmas too. RIP Ryan.

[theAmazingMet]

RIP Ryan :-(

[RaysFan_98]

So sad... Former Red & Cub Ryan Freel has reportedly committed suicide... My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/1...n_2353907.html

Wonder why.....

[Zito75]

Wonder why.....

Well, according to what wikipedia says, Freel had some head injuries that lead to his retirement. Have to wonder if had a possible unrelated mental condition? Apparently he had voices in his head which he communicated with regularly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Freel

[dgarza]

Well, according to what wikipedia says, Freel had some head injuries that lead to his retirement. Have to wonder if had a possible unrelated mental condition? Apparently he had voices in his head which he communicated with regularly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Freel

This article made it out that Freel was just being goofy regarding this "Farney" voice in his head, but it's very probable it was a more serious situation than just an "imaginary friend."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2012/12/23/ryan-freel-suicide-gunshot-wound-jacksonville-cincinnati-reds-brandon-phillips-sean-casey/1787101/

[Zito75]

This article made it out that Freel was just being goofy regarding this "Farney" voice in his head, but it's very probable it was a more serious situation than just an "imaginary friend."

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports...casey/1787101/

Very sad... I remember reading a study that spoke to how concussions impacted the brain. Guys like Freel, and those that play football are more prone to drug/ alcohol abuse, violence and depression. There's no doubt in my mind this poor guy had brain damage.

[dgarza]

It did seem like Freel had made attempts to turn his life around and reach out to some degree. A lot of guys have a hard time doing things like that.

[RubeBaker]

Well, according to what wikipedia says, Freel had some head injuries that lead to his retirement. Have to wonder if had a possible unrelated mental condition? Apparently he had voices in his head which he communicated with regularly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Freel

We saw what happened with Junior Seau in the NFL. The reasons may never be clear, but I think this is another sad example of the long term psychological damage these types of injuries can have.

[Tadasimha]

http://www.youcaring.com/memorial-fundraiser/Suicide-Prevention/37840

Hope this is okay - the Reds fan forum Redszone has begun a fundraiser for Ryan Freel. All proceeds (100%) go to the Cincinnati branch of the American Society for Suicide Prevention. Just follow the link to donate.

[RaysFan_98]

Was reading, and read somewhere that he heard voices in his head and such.