By Daniel Chavkin
(Source Sporting News)
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore was found dead on Saturday night in New Albany, Indiana at just 25 years old.
Moore was a star at Purdue University, leading the Big 10 in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns as a freshman in 2018. Despite only playing seven games in his final two seasons, Moore was a second-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL draft.
With the Cardinals, Moore played 39 games and produced 1,201 receiving yards in three seasons. However, Moore’s NFL career was marred by injuries, as he missed both the 2024 and 2025 seasons after suffering season-ending injuries in preseason.
There are very few public details so far regarding Moore’s death, but here’s what we know.
Rondale Moore cause of death
- Cause of death: Apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound
Chief Todd Bailey of the New Albany Police Department said that Moore was found with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the official cause of death.
“The New Albany Police Department is conducting a death investigation at 1611 Ekin Av in New Albany,” Bailey said in a statement. “Rondale Moore (age 25) was found deceased in the garage of the property of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“The New Albany Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no additional information will be released at this time.”
What happened to Rondale Moore?
Rondal Moore was found dead in a garage in New Albany, Indiana, with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday night. Moore was born and grew up in New Albany, where he attended New Albany High School for a few years.
Moore was drafted by the Cardinals and also played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Vikings in his career.
“We are devastated and heartbroken by today’s news concerning Rondale Moore,” the Cardinals said in a statement on Saturday. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who loved him and had the privilege of knowing such a special person.”
Additionally, the Vikings organization and Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell both released statements on the news.
