Tyler Sash, former Giants, Hawkeyes safety, dies at 27

FormerIowaand New York Giants safety Tyler Sash has died at age 27.

The Iowa state medical examiner's office confirmed Sash's death to ESPN.com. An official said an autopsy would be performed Wednesday. Funeral arrangements are pending, the University of Iowa said in a statement.

Emergency services responded to 719 Fox Run Drive around 10 a.m. CT Tuesday in reference to an unresponsive male, according to the Oskaloosa, Iowa, police department. It was determined the man had died, and he was identified as Sash, who lived in Oskaloosa.

"Sash's death is under investigation, but no foul play is suspected," the police department said.

Sash starred for Iowa, where he recorded 13 interceptions and set a team record with 392 interception return yards. He left school after his junior season and was a sixth-round pick of the Giants in the 2011 NFL draft. Sash spent two seasons with the Giants, winning a Super Bowl, before being cut in August 2013.

The NFL suspended Sash for the first four games of the 2012 season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Sash said he had taken the prescription drug Adderall for an anxiety condition to help him with public speaking.

In May 2014, Sash was arrested in his hometown of Oskaloosa and charged with public intoxication after leading police on a drunken scooter chase.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz postponed his regular Tuesday news conference to Wednesday for "a private issue," but expressed his sadness in a statement released by the school.

"We are all very saddened to hear about the untimely loss of Tyler," Ferentz said. "It is always so difficult when it involves someone this young. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Tyler's family during this extremely difficult time."

Several of Sash's former Iowa and Giants teammates posted tributes to him on social media.

Former Iowa wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos took to Twitter to share his thoughts.

Chicago Bears safety Antrel Rolle, who played with Sash on the Giants, also tweeted.

Recently retired ex-Giant Osi Umenyiora also acknowledged his former teammate's passing.