Former Houston Baptist University linebacker Garrett Dolan dies at 23

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A former star linebacker at Houston Baptist University has died, and authorities believe he may have fallen to his death.

The school's athletic director announced Monday the death of 23-year-old Garrett Dolan.

According to Houston police, Dolan's body was found Sunday afternoon at the Camden McGowen Station Apartments in Midtown, which is under construction.

Investigators believe Dolan fell from a roof. His body was found on a fourth floor courtyard, and clothes and alcohol were on the roof, according to HPD.

Dolan's parents told HPD they last saw him Friday at a family gathering. Friends, though, informed investigators that they last saw him early Sunday morning at a bar in Midtown.

Dolan's autopsy results are pending.

"The entire HBU community is grieving. We pray for Garrett Dolan; his family and friends; and his teammates and classmates; as we all work to understand this loss," said HBU athletic director, Steve Moniaci.

Garrett Dolan was among a small group of 13 players that started the football program at HBU five years ago.

"It was just the everyday journey with Garrett. That's what I'll remember most. He was a guy you could count on to show up everyday," said former teammate Daniel Garza.

"It's just a real shock. It's a shock to all of us at HBU, just to know that a guy like him is gone. I just can't really put it to words how that makes me feel, makes all of us feel. The dude was a great person on and off the field," said former teammate and friend Chris Hardeman.

Dolan was born in Baytown and went to high school at Barbers Hill in Mont Belvieu, according to his HBU biography. He was a standout linebacker for the Eagles, before becoming a four-year starter for the Huskies.

In 2016, his senior year, Dolan was an All-America selection - the first in the school's history - and a finalist for FCS Defensive Player of the Year.

Dolan followed a football pedigree in his family. His older brother Jared Dolan also played linebacker at McNeese State, and three of his uncles all played college football.