HOUSTON -- Former Minnesota Timberwolves Eddie Griffin died last week when his sport utility vehicle collided with a freight train in a fiery crash in Houston, the Harris County medical examiner's office said Tuesday.

Eddie Griffin

Griffin

Investigators used dental records to identify Griffin, 25, who began his tumultous pro career with the Houston Rockets in 2001. He was waived by the Timberwolves in March.

The five-year veteran and former seventh overall draft pick had battled alcohol problems since coming out of Seton Hall. He was suspended by the NBA for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program.

Houston police said in a report that the SUV ignored a railroad warning and went through a barrier before striking the moving train about 1:30 a.m. Friday.

The driver's body was badly burned and there was no identification.

Griffin had a series of suspensions, court dates and missed practices during his first two years in the NBA with Houston and New Jersey. He spent time in the Betty Ford Center for alcohol treatment in 2003-04.

Griffin signed with the Wolves as a free agent before the 2004 season, and showed enough promise as a shot-blocker and rebounder to be signed to an extension.

But he was waived in March after appearing in just 13 games for the Wolves this season.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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He was a sad story, and had a lot of demons, I hope now he can rest in peace.

The kid never got his head right and he did have some talent. Its too bad. But also wtf?!!!!!!!!!!!!! how do you pull off a fiery death in a train crash? sounds like suicide or foul play. I'm truly feeling bad that a watching porn crash into the train theory entered my mind.

Gutz, that was the first theory that popped into my head as well. Does that make me a bad person?

I'm thinkin it was suicide just because he was having so much trouble in his life and he probably couldn't take it anymore.

wow this is crazy. what a wasted life. i thought he was the most talented player in the draft the year he came out. and i hoped he would get his head on straight but he never did. sad, sad ending.

i feel bad for his family.....

well body burned beyond recognition in a train crash seems odd. I hope they thoroughly investigate the situation.

Gutz, that was the first theory that popped into my head as well. Does that make me a bad person?
probably. But its ok as long as you didnt laugh.

When I first read this, I assumed he was getting off in his car again. And no, I'm not saying that to be funny or provocative.

I feel better knowing I wasn't the only one who thought he was watching porn while he died.

I feel better knowing I wasn't the only one who thought he was watching porn while he died.

God bless him. It's the way I'd want to go.

It wasn't hard to tell that things were not going to end well for Eddie.

Ron Artest & Mike Tyson, take note.