The Toronto Sun has reported that Michigan State Police have confirmed a body has been found in a vehicle that matches the description of the one driven by missing Saginaw Spirit player Terry Trafford. The license plate is also a match. This comes less than 48 hours after news broke of Trafford being sent home for an unspecified violation of team rules. Terry Trafford disappeared a week ago subsequent to sending his girlfriend a text which she indicates appeared to indicate that he was in a distressed mental state.
It has been suggested by various media agencies that the issues around Trafford’s being sent home directly contributed to the disappearance, and it appears now that the story may be concluding in the worst possible outcome. The Toronto Sun reported that the vehicle alleged to be Trafford’s was found in a Walmart parking lot in Saginaw Townshipa and contained the body of a deceased person. At this time, the body has not been identified but Michigan State Police Lt. Brian Cole told Yahoo! Sports it is that of a “young man.”
Update: Terry Trafford’s father has confirmed to media that it is indeed his son in the vehicle, and he has passed away.
Further Update: It has been confirmed by Michigan State Police that the body is indeed Terry Trafford. The cause of death is believed to be asphyxiation.
Last Word on Sports will endeavor to keep you updated as we can, the team here at Last Word also send our thoughts, prayers and best wishes to the family of Terry Trafford, his long-time Girlfriend, the Saginaw Spirit family, all of his present and former teammates, his friends, fans and all who have all been so deeply impacted by this tragic event.
As an aside if you, or anyone you know is suffering with any form of mental illness, please seek help as soon as possible. The Canadian Mental Health Association website is found at CMHA.com.
