Falcon David Croudip Dies; Cocaine Cocktail Suspected

Atlanta Falcons cornerback David Croudip died early today after suffering seizures at his home. Gwinnett County Coroner Randy Simpson said witnesses reported that Croudip, 29, had ingested cocaine.

The suspicion is that “it is a cocaine-related drug overdose,” Simpson said. “We have been told by witnesses that he had ingested a concoction or cocktail of some sort with cocaine and some liquid.”

He said an autopsy will be performed later today.

Police Detective Larry Walton said the crew of an ambulance called by Croudip’s wife found him suffering seizures. His heart failed while he was being taken to Joan Glancy Hospital, where efforts to revive him failed, Walton said.

Croudip was pronounced dead about 3:30 a.m., the detective said.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of David Croudip,” said Falcons Coach Marion Campbell. “. . . His death is a shock to the entire organization.”

Croudip, a Falcon since 1985, was a reserve cornerback and a leader on special teams. He played in Sunday’s 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, a team he once played for, and had one tackle.

Croudip attended Ventura (Calif.) College and San Diego State before joining the Los Angeles Express of the United States Football League. He later went to the USFL’s Houston Gamblers and was picked up by the Rams in 1984. After being cut by the Rams, he played two games for the San Diego Chargers in 1985 before being cut. He then signed with the Falcons.