National Football League

Report: Ejected NFL fan found dead

Published Nov. 16, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A man who went missing after Thursday night’s NFL game was found dead near Ralph Wilson Stadium early Friday, authorities said.

David Gerken Jr., 26, who attended the game between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, was found face down in Smoke’s Creek near the stadium. There were no signs of foul play and the incident appeared to be an accidental drowning, authorities said.

Police said Gerken was from Palmyra, N.Y., about 75 miles east of Buffalo.

Authorities said Gerken's brother told police that his brother had been ejected from the game around halftime, apparently for being intoxicated. Police were able to track a signal from the missing man’s cell phone to establish a location.

An Erie County Sheriff’s helicopter was called in to assist in the search.

“While the loss of life is always tragic, the loss of a young life is even more so," the Bills said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family. We are currently cooperating with law enforcement officials to find out the details of this unfortunate incident.”