Wow - Hearts go out to the Raider/Turner family
iwon.com|sporttop|05-29-2000::11:14|reuters,00.html
Raiders' Turner Dies of Cancer at 31
May 29, 2000 10:17 am EST
THOUSAND OAKS (Reuters) - Oakland Raiders safety Eric Turner, who refuted reports he was
gravely ill with intestinal cancer earlier this month, died Sunday at age 31.
Turner arrived at Los Robles Regional Medical Center on Sunday morning by ambulance,
according to hospital spokesperson Kris Carraway. He had trouble breathing and was taken to
the emergency room, where he was stabilized. Turner was then admitted into the intensive
care unit, but died at 4:35 p.m. local time.
The San Jose Mercury News, citing three sources familiar with the situation, reported that
Turner had lost 70 pounds from his playing weight of 215 and only a handful of people in the
Raiders' organization had been told how ill he was.
The Los Angeles Times earlier published that Turner had a serious stomach illness.
Turner had issued a statement that said he is not gravely ill nor has he lost 70 pounds.
"I realize people are concerned but I have chosen to keep this issue within my family," the
statement also said.
Turner, who attended UCLA, signed with the Raiders in 1997 after a six-year stint with the
Cleveland Browns-Baltimore Ravens. He was the second selection in the 1991 draft, the
highest-ever pick for a defensive back.
The 6-1, 215-pounder made the Pro Bowl in 1994, when he had a career high and an NFL
high-tying nine interceptions. Turner missed most of 1995 with a back injury and was sidelined
16 games the past two seasons with various ailments. |
