Wife of ex-Cowboys player Jay Novacek found dead after apparent suicide
10:39 PM CST on Monday, February 1, 2010
By SCOTT GOLDSTEIN / The Dallas Morning News
sgoldstein@dallasnews.com
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LeAnne Novacek, the wife of former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jay Novacek, was found dead at her mother's home in Burleson on Monday in an apparent suicide, authorities said.
The cause of death appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Burleson police Commander Doug Sandifer said.
Novacek's mother called police to her home in the 7700 block of FM1902 just after 8:35 a.m., Sandifer said.
Novacek, 45, lived in nearby Joshua.
The Tarrant County medical examiner's office said Novacek's body was found in a bedroom at the home. She was pronounced dead just after 9 a.m.
Police are awaiting an autopsy to determine an official cause and manner of death.
"It appeared no foul play, so we're waiting for the medical examiner's findings," Sandifer said.
The Novaceks, who have a daughter, have been active in several charitable activities in the community, including fundraising for the Children's Advocacy Center of Johnson County.
"LeAnne and Jay are a very well thought of family here in our county," Johnson County Sheriff Bob Alford said. "It's not uncommon to go to any kind of charity event and see LeAnne and Jay there."
Alford described LeAnne as outgoing and personable.
"I don't know of anyone that didn't feel at ease around her," he said. "She just went out of her way to make you feel welcome."
Jay Novacek, a five-time Pro Bowler, played for the Cowboys from 1990 to 1995. From 1985 to 1989, he played for the Cardinals, which moved from St. Louis to Arizona in 1988.
In 2008, Novacek was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Rebecca Lopez of WFAA-TV (Channel š contributed to this report.