Former NFL linebacker Jessie Lemonier has died at the age of 25, it has been announced by the team who first signed him - the Los Angeles Chargers.
"Gone too soon," the team wrote on its official Twitter account on Thursday. "Our hearts are with Jessie's family, friends, and loved ones."
According to ESPN, Lemonier was chosen by the Chargers in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He played in six games before joining the Detroit Lions in the 2021 season.
"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of former Detroit Lion Jessie Lemonier," the Lions said in a statement on Twitter. "Jessie was a model teammate and wonderful young man who is gone far too soon."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time," they added.
Lemonier is believed to have appeared in seven games with the Lions in 2021 and finished with 15 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
The young athlete's cause of death has not been publicly announced.
Liberty University, where Lemonier played college football, shared its condolences on social media, writing: "The Liberty Athletics family is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of former Flames football great Jessie Lemonier.
"Jessie was loved by Flames Nation for being a fierce competitor on the gridiron and cherished by his coaches and teammates in the locker room."
"Liberty Athletics will continue to keep his family and friends in our prayers that God may bring peace and comfort to them during the difficult days ahead," they continued.
Lemonier's agent told ESPN that the late sportsman has been expecting a child with his girlfriend.
He had signed with the Arizona Cardinals last year and was released prior to the start of the season.
At the end of last year, he was drafted by the XFL's Arlington Renegades before signing with the USFL's Houston Gamblers. The team then traded him to the Birmingham Stallions, per ESPN.
A number of fans have since taken to social media to share their devastation at the loss of a promising sports star, with one writing on Twitter: "So sorry to hear about Jesse Lemoniar passing. Loved watching him play for Liberty he had so much spirit. Keeping his family in my prayers."
Another penned: "Awful, sat beside Jesse in one of my classes. Always seemed like a good bubbly full of life guy. Prayers."
Our thoughts are with Lemonier's friends, family and partner at this difficult time.
