Advertisement

'Unthinkable loss': NFL world rocked by devastating stabbing tragedy

associated press

Two men were stabbed to death early Saturday at a Nashville bar and one of the victims was the brother of NFL quarterback CJ Beathard, authorities said.

Nashville Police said 22-year-old Clayton Beathard and 21-year-old Paul Trapeni were stabbed in a fight at 2:50 am outside the Dogwood Bar & Grill.

Police said an argument began over a woman inside the bar and turned into a larger fight involving more people outside.

CJ Beathard and Jimmy Garoppolo, pictured here in the locker room prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks.
CJ Beathard and Jimmy Garoppolo go over plays in the locker room prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Beathard and Trapeni were stabbed in their sides, according to authorities. A third stabbing victim was treated and released from a hospital.

Police say they are searching for suspects in the stabbings.

NFL world rocked by tragedy

The 49ers organisation was “shocked and deeply saddened” to hear of Beathard's death, the team said in a release.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to C.J. and the entire Beathard family as they cope with the unthinkable loss of a loved one,” the team said.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said he spent an hour with Beathard after news of the death reached the 49ers quarterback.

CJ Beathard, pictured here in action against the Los Angeles Chargers.
C.J. Beathard in action against the Los Angeles Chargers. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

"There's not much you can say," he said after the 49ers’ win on Saturday.

"You just try to hold a person and be there for him. We tried to figure it out, what we could do and the quickest way to get him to his family.

“But that was probably my first time in a situation like that, but I think it's exactly what anybody would expect. There's nothing to say, and it's as tragic and as sad of a thing that can happen."

CJ Beathard started 10 games between 2017 and 2018 for the 49ers. He's currently second-string behind Jimmy Garoppolo.