NEW ORLEANS -- New England Patriot Player Marquise Hill was found Monday, a day after he was reported missing following a personal watercraft accident on Lake Pontchartrain.
The 6-foot-6, 300-pound player's body was discovered about a quarter of a mile from where the 24-year-old former LSU star was involved in the accident.
"We have suffered a stunning and tragic loss," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said in a written statement Monday evening. "Marquise will be remembered as a thoughtful and caring young man who established himself as one of the year-round daily fixtures of our team..."
Loved ones including Hill's fiancee, Inell Benn, and friends, including Patriots teammate Randall Gay, waited anxiously along the shoreline. They consoled one another when authorities told them Hill had been found dead.
Hill and a young female companion were riding a personal watercraft Sunday in the lake when both of them went into the water, which had a strong current. The woman was able to make it to a pylon and hang on, while Hill was last seen floating away from the scene.
The woman, whose identity was not released, was rescued and sent to Tulane Medical Center
where she told them Hill had tried to keep her calm as the two were drifting away from each other. Neither were wearing a life preserver at the time.Hill played on LSU's national championship team and was a second-round draft pick by New England in 2004. Hill had yet to start for the Patriots, playing in 13 games in his NFL career.
"We are absolutely heartbroken," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "Marquise was a very respectful young man who worked hard to improve and was always eager to contribute to the team, both on the field and in the community."
Hill, a defensive end, spent much of his time since Hurricane Katrina helping rebuild the homes of family members including his mother, Sherry, and the mother of his 2-year-old son.
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