Eddie Griffin dies at age 25

[BuckFoston]

The Harris County Medical Examiner's office has identified former Rockets power forward Eddie Griffin as the man who died when the SUV he was driving plowed into a moving train in southeast Houston last week.

Officials said Griffin, 25, drove his Nissan SUV through a railroad crossing barrier, past flashing warning lights and into a moving train in the 5300 block of Lawndale about 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 17.

The accident remains under investigation by Houston police.

Griffin's vehicle burst into flames on impact with the Union Pacific train that was hauling plastic, burning his body so badly that investigators had to use dental records from a Houston dentist whom Griffin had visited to confirm his identity Tuesday.

A ruling on the cause of death and manner of death and the results of drug and alcohol tests on the remains are pending.

Griffin, whom the Rockets acquired for three first-round draft picks in 2001, faced off-court troubles throughout his NBA career. A power forward, he was released by the Rockets in 2003 after several run-ins with the law.

He spent time in the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for alcoholism treatment in 2003-04.

He played briefly in New Jersey for the Nets before moving to Minnesota to play for the Timberwolves, who waived him in March.

``If this is true, then Eddie is free now,'' said former Rockets guard and NBA coach John Lucas, who worked with Griffin in Lucas' Houston-based substance rehabilitation program. ``I'm just sad. Just so sad.''

Former Rocket Griffin, 25, dies in train collision | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Just terrible news, I was absolutley shocked when I saw this headline. I was a fan of Eddie Griffin, he was a good player. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Griffin family.

[brewersfan19]

I send the same sentiments to the Eddie Griffin family. My prayers, thoughts, and condolences go out to the family and friends.

Shocking and upsetting news to hear. Rest in Peace, Eddie.

[scarfire]

RIP, Eddie.

He did well in his first year with the Wolves but after that, it went downhill. He had battled tough times off the court.

[ATLien]

Rip.

[realmofotalk]

Sad ending for a player who was a candidate for the #1 overall NBA draft selection back in 2001. RIP Eddie Griffin.

[scarfire]

He had a tough life off the court, that made basketball not a big deal to him personally. I am already aware that he had rough times in high school and then Seton Hall, then into the NBA years. I don't know exactly what have gotten the best out of him. Last time an Ex-Wolves head coach heard that Eddie was practicing and getting himself into the shape for playing basketball in Europe.