Feb. 7, 2008, 8:36AM
Former Oiler Grimsley found shot to death
By ERIC HANSON and JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
MISSOURI CITY — Former Houston Oilers linebacker John Grimsley, 45, was found dead Wednesday in his home from an apparent gunshot wound.
It appears the death was an accident, said Missouri City spokeswoman Barbara Brescian.
The body was found shortly after 9 a.m. by police who were responding to a 911 call at Grimsley's home in the 3600 block of Robinson, Brescian said.
"This does not appear to be a crime of violence. It appears to be a very tragic accident," Detective Steve Glave of the Missouri City police said in a statement.
No other details about the shooting were immediately available.
Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace Joel Clouser ordered an autopsy.
Clouser said Grimsley was alone at the house and that it appears he was cleaning a gun.
Grimsley's former Oiler teammates were shocked and saddened by news of his death.
Former free safety Bo Eason said he saw Grimsley at the Pro Football Hall of Fame when Oiler great Bruce Matthews was inducted in August.
"John was an avid hunter. He loved the outdoors business he had. He was a hard-nosed player and a great teammate," Eason said. "He was also a great guy. ... What a tragedy."
Tennessee Titans scout and former Oilers linebacker Johnny Meads was drafted two rounds ahead of Grimsley. "I can't believe it; I just can't believe it," he said. "I'm stunned."
"It's a shock to all of us," said former Oilers linebacker Gregg Bingham. He said they had known each other for years and lived on the same street.
"Our kids grew up together," Bingham said. "He was just a good-natured guy who was ... used to having guns around, and that might have got him in trouble."
Bud Adams, who owned the Oilers and now owns the Tennessee Titans, said, "John was a fine player for us and part of the group that helped rebuild the Oilers into a perennial playoff team in the late '80s and early '90s. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."
Grimsley was an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. He operated an outdoor guide service and took clients on hunting and fishing trips to Texas locations as well as spots in Alaska, Mexico and Argentina, according to his Web site, Worldclass Expeditions.
FULL STORY
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Former Oiler Grimsley found shot to death
Former Oiler Grimsley found shot to death
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