Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore dies at 25 in Indiana, cause under investigation

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore has died at the age of 25, officials in Floyd County, Indiana, confirmed on Saturday, Feb. 21. Moore was found unresponsive in a garage at a residence in his hometown of New Albany, with authorities saying his death remains under investigation and an autopsy has been scheduled

Police in New Albany said Moore was discovered on Saturday night and pronounced dead shortly afterward, with early reports indicating a suspected self‑inflicted gunshot wound. Floyd County coroner Matthew Tomlin confirmed Moore’s death and said there was no threat to the public as investigators continue to review the circumstances

The Minnesota Vikings said in a statement they were “deeply saddened” by Moore’s passing and had been in contact with his family while also making counseling and emotional support available to players and staff. Head coach Kevin O’Connell called Moore a humble, soft‑spoken young man proud of his Indiana roots, praising his resilience through multiple injuries and saying the team was heartbroken he would not get to continue pursuing his NFL dream.

Purdue and Louisville coach Jeff Brohm paid tribute to Moore on social media, describing him as an “absolute joy to coach,” an elite competitor and teammate whose work ethic and smile left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

Moore grew up in New Albany, Indiana, and became a high school standout before starring at Purdue, where he earned All‑America honors as a freshman in 2018 and emerged as one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers. He was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, then briefly joined the Atlanta Falcons before signing with the Vikings in 2025, where a preseason knee injury sidelined him for the year