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Iowa City, Iowa • Tyler Sash, a standout safety at Iowa who later won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants, has died, the state medical examiner's office said Tuesday. He was 27.
John Kraemer, the director of forensic operations for the medical examiner, told The Associated Press his office is investigating Sash's death along with police in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Sash's hometown. No cause of death has been determined, he said, and an autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Sash started 37 games for the Hawkeyes from 2007-10, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors as a senior. He was fourth all-time in interception return yardage in the Big Ten when he graduated, and his 13 picks were fifth-best in school history.
One of the best games of Sash's career came in 2009 against rival Iowa State, whom the Hawkeyes face on Saturday in Ames. Sash collected three interceptions in Iowa's 35-3 win and the Hawkeyes went on to win 11 games and the Orange Bowl that season.
Sash played two seasons with the New York Giants, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2011. He was suspended for four games in 2012 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substances policy.
"We were all deeply saddened today to hear of the passing of Tyler," the Giants said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler's family and friends and all the Hawkeyes he was so proud to represent."
Former Giants player Antrel Rolle tweeted his condolences to Sash's family.
"This is heartbreaking," wrote Rolle, who now plays for Chicago. "Feels like I am dreaming. I am literally hurting right now."
Sash was arrested in May 2014 in Oskaloosa after police said he led officers on a four-block chase with a motorized scooter before running into a wooded area. Officers say Sash was shocked with a stun gun after he refused to be handcuffed.
Sash later pleaded guilty to public intoxication and was fined $65.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz abruptly canceled his weekly press conference Tuesday for what spokesman Steve Roe said was a "a private issue regarding the Iowa football program, unrelated to game preparation." Ferentz will meet with reporters Wednesday.