Timberwolves Forward Eddie Griffin Has Died After His SUV Collided With Freight Train

Former Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin has died after his sports utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a horrendous crash last week. Investigators on the case had to identify Griffin, who was a young 25 years old, by his dental records. Eddie had begun his career with the Houston Rockets in 2001 and was snatched up by the Timberwolves in March.

Beverly Begay, chief investigator for the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office has said, “The cause of death and manner of death, which also includes toxicology results, is pending.”

Griffin, the number 7 pick in the 2001 NBA draft and five-year veteran, had battled with alcohol problems since he came out of Seton Hall. In January he was suspended from five games due to violating his anti-drug program.

Former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey said about Eddie, “Basketball was never an issue with him. He needed more life lessons, and unfortunately he was never able to reach his potential,”

Houston Police have stated in a report that the driver of the SUV (Griffin) ignored a railroad warning and proceeded to drive through a barrier before striking the moving train at around 1.30 am on Friday. The fire, which was caused by the impact, burned the SUV and the side of a railcar carrying plastic granules. The fire left the driver’s body badly burned and unidentifiable.

“The entire Minnesota Timberwolves organization is deeply saddened by this tragic news. Eddie will be missed by everyone who knew him,” said a saddened Kevin McHale, vice president of basketball operations for the team, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Eddie’s loved ones.”

Former Minnesota teammate Mark Madsen has this to say, ““Eddie Griffin is someone who was never a super loud or boisterous guy in the locker room, but he was someone who everyone loved in the locker room…When he was doing well on the court we were all so happy for him. And when he was struggling, we were all struggling right there with him.”

Griffin played forward and centre and had signed with the Timberwolves as a free agent before the 2004 season. He showed promise as a shot-blocker and rebounded, enough to be signed to an extension but waived in March after only playing 13 games last season with the Wolves.

Griffin played well on court but his antics off court led him into plenty of trouble. He pleaded guilty last season to inattentive driving after he hit a parked car while out late in Minneapolis.

Despite his struggles, Griffin was an invaluable player on the court and an invaluable friend off court. Our thoughts go to his family and friends at this extremely sad and painful time.

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