From today's print edition of The N&O:

Former Carolina Panthers center Curtis Whitley, who starred at Smithfield-Selma High, has died.

Family members said Monday night that they learned earlier in the day that Whitley, who turned 39 Saturday, had been found dead in Texas, where he was living. They were awaiting details about the cause and precise timing of his death.

Whitley started every game in the Panthers' inaugural 1995 season, and he made eight starts in 1996 before getting suspended four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

He joined the Oakland Raiders in 1997 but was suspended again before the 1998 season and didn't play in the league again.

Whitley played college football at Clemson. The San Diego Chargers picked him in the fifth round of the 1992 NFL draft.

The Charlotte Observer also has a story on his passing. Click on the blog entry header to be directly linked to the story.

05/14/08 at 00:13
I had the chance to play with Curtis in Arena Football. He was somone that was always a joy to be around. He always kept a smile on his face and had a joke to tell everyday at practice and in the games. I will always remember him as a big ole country boy that lived life everyday to it's fullest. He will be missed. God Bless you Curtis, from the Tampa Storm Family.

Love, James Bowden

07/19/08 at 03:12
Hi,
This is the first time I am visiting this site .I accidentally got navigated into this site. But it came to be shocking news for me. This is really shocking. What really happened?
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Bobmike

AddictionRecoveryNewHampshire

07/19/08 at 03:17
Hi,
This is the first time I am visiting this site .I accidentally got navigated into this site. But it came to be shocking news for me. This is really shocking. What really happened?
=================================================================

Bobmike

http://www.addictionrecovery.net/new-hampshire