Terry Beasley, an Auburn wide receiver who was elected into the College Football Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 73 from what appeared to be a suicide, according to authorities.
Following Beasley’s death at 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Moody Police (Ala.) Chief Reece Smith told The Associated Press that the situation is being looked into as a possible suicide.
“We got a call at 5:20 (Wednesday) afternoon, and officers found Mr. Beasley with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Smith said on Thursday.
Beasley’s football career has resulted in multiple concussions, which have affected him.
During his tenure with the Tigers in 1970 and 1971, he was an All-American and most noted for being the preferred target of Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Pat Sullivan.
During the 1970 season, Beasley ran for 95 yards and one touchdown while also catching 52 receptions for 1,051 yards and 11 touchdowns. After that, in 1971, he recorded a career-high 12 receiving touchdowns and 846 yards.
According to a statement by Auburn honoring Beasley, “Pat Sullivan was the leader, the quarterback, and the Heisman Trophy winner, but the guy who made that whole passing game go was Beasley,” former athletic director and director of sports information David Housel said. “He is a legend from Auburn. He will serve as the benchmark for all other Auburn receivers.
After three years of play, Beasley’s 2,507 yards and 29 touchdowns are still school records.
“Terry’s hands were little, but he had this grip on the ball when it came close to him that he was going to get the ball one way or another,” said Terry Henley, a former teammate. It was not going to be taken from him by you.
