Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver James Hardy has tragically passed away at the age of 31. He was discovered by a water plant worker in the Maumee River in Indiana on Wednesday, per Fort Wayne’s NBC.
Our support is with the Hardy family after the passing of former Bills WR James Hardy. pic.twitter.com/4ZgLDUwyPA
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) June 8, 2017
According to the coroner’s report, via Fort Wayne’s NBC, Hardy’s family had reported he was missing weeks ago.
The water plant worker who found Hardy discovered him after noticing a foul smell. He investigated further, only to find Hardy’s body trapped in a log jam. Emergency crews arrived afterwards to investigate further.
Hardy was a local star, having played his high school ball at Elmhurst High School and his college ball at Indiana.
I'm speechless. Former #IUFB and @FtWayneCommSkls Elmhurst High School star James Hardy has died at age 31. https://t.co/ToTexTZXsC
— Adam Shear (@AdamJShear) June 8, 2017
He was selected by the Bills in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played four years in the NFL, all with the Bills, finishing his career with 10 catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns.