42 Athletes That Died Before 40

NBA | February 16, 2021

Joe Delaney

In his two seasons of playing in the NFL with the Chiefs, Joe Delaney set four franchise records that would stand for over 20 years.

One summer while visiting Chenault Park with friends, he noticed three children struggling to surface in the water. Despite the fact that he was a poor swimmer, Delaney dove in after them.

He was able to save one child but drowned along with two other victims at just 24 years old.