Report: Former Auburn defensive back Zach Gilbert found dead after suspected suicide
By SDS Staff
Published:
Former Auburn defensive back Zach Gilbert was found dead in his apartment on Wednesday afternoon, according to AL.com.
The report from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office said that Gilbert, 33, suffered a single gunshot wound when investigators arrived at his apartment. With no indication of foul play, it’s being ruled as a suspected suicide.
The investigation is ongoing.
After walking on as a freshman, Gilbert played at Auburn from 2003-06 and eventually earned a scholarship. He worked his way into the rotation as a senior and played in every game.
Gilbert earned two degrees from Auburn and worked as a vice president financial consultant for Regions Investment Solutions in Birmingham.
An article from Auburn’s official website in 2015 went in depth about Gilbert’s journey to post-football success. Gilbert offered some candid perspective on his life:
“There have been difficult times. But I knew that football prepared me for them. It wasn’t an easy task going down to Auburn as a walk-on and not only earning a scholarship but earning respect from coaches and teammates. I believed in myself and the abilities that God blessed me with. It’s the same in this business.
“The main importance in life is your ability to impact others. What type of legacy are you leaving. So now I live my life with a totally different perspective knowing that I have the power to accomplish anything I want to with my priorities being in line.”
Auburn has yet to release an official statement on Gilbert’s reported death.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
