Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland’s girlfriend, Catalina Mancera, recently celebrated their unborn child with both their families after his tragic suicide death in November.
Mancera explained that their loved ones have “carried me through all of this” in an Instagram carousel post Sunday, which included snapshots of her baby shower in Pilot Point, Texas.
“Words can’t explain how thankful I am for the people God has placed in my life,” Mancera wrote. “In such a hard season, the love and support surrounding me has made everything feel a little brighter. I’m so grateful for everyone who came out to celebrate me and baby, and even those who couldn’t make it but still showed love from afar.
“I also want to thank my family for throwing me such a beautiful shower in Michigan. I want to thank both of our families for all the love they’ve poured into me during this time. I’ll never forget the kindness, prayers, and support that have carried me through all of this 🤍.”
Mancera, who is a Kalamazoo, Mich. native, looked beautiful in a white gown as she posed with family and friends at the Selah Even Venue.
Another image showed cookies with messages of “Baby Kneeland” and “A little piece of heaven is on the way.”
Mancera previously shared that she is due to give birth in June.
“I dreamed of you long before I ever knew you. I dreamed of building a family, of the life your dad and I talked about and imagined together,” she wrote in a December Instagram post, including sonogram photos. “I’m so excited for you, but my heart still aches. It aches for the moments I won’t get to share with him, and for the love I wish you could experience the way I did.”
Kneeland and Mancera began dating when he was at Western Michigan University in her native Kalamazoo, his cousin Nicole Kneeland-Woods told the Daily Mail. He is from nearby Grand Rapids.
Kneeland died by suicide at the age of 24 in November following a police pursuit on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Kneeland was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco police — who said they received information during their pursuit that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.
According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports, an operator stated that Kneeland’s girlfriend said she received a concerning message from Kneeland and was trying to contact the defensive end’s agent.
A 911 operator said on the audio that his girlfriend stated that Kneeland was armed, has a history of mental illness — and she quoted him as saying he would “end it all.”
Kneeland’s death came two days after he played 17 snaps during the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Cardinals.
He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.
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