Investigation underway after former Saints DE Glenn Foster Jr. dies in police custody

An investigation is underway after former New Orleans Saints defensive end Glenn Foster Jr. died in police custody Teusday. He was just 31 years old.

According to NOLA.com, Foster Jr. was arrested on Saturday in Reform, Ala. following a high-speed chase in which Foster Jr. was driving 90 miles per hour in a 45 zone and then tried to flee the authorities. 

Jail records show Foster Jr. was then booked on Saturday "on three counts of reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, and attempt to elude."

Foster's father, Glenn Foster Sr., told the Washington Post that authorities reached out to the family following the arrest because Foster Jr.'s behavior was "erratic" and concerning. Foster Sr. explained that his son suffered from symptoms of bipolar disorder and needed medical attention. Foster Jr. was then reportedly in an altercation with an inmate, although exact details of the altercation have still not been released.

According to Foster Sr.'s account in the Post, Foster Jr. died in the police cruiser en route to a medical facility 30 minutes away from the jail. Foster Jr.'s family members were told they could not visit him prior to that because of the jail's COVID-19 restrictions, per his father's account.

Coroner Chad Harless told WWL-TV an autopsy will be performed, although the family told the Post it wants an independent autopsy done as well to uncover more answers as to what happened to Foster Jr. between the alleged jail altercation and trip in the police cruiser.

The Chicago native totaled eight combined tackles and seven QB hits in two seasons played for the Saints. The team and former teammates paid tribute to Foster Jr. on social media.