Former Auburn football defensive back Zach Gilbert (2003-06) was found dead in his apartment in Birmingham, Alabama Thursday afternoon, according to a report from AL.com's Carol Robinson.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, Gilbert, 33, died from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at 2:08 p.m. after being found in his home at 1:40 p.m.
Birmingham police believe the gunshot wound to be self-inflicted, however the death is still under investigation. Coroner's and police officials believe no foul play was involved.
Gilbert graduated from Auburn with a degree in public administration. In 2011, Gilbert received his MBA from Auburn and became a financial consultant for Regions Investment Solutions in Birmingham.
“There have been difficult times," Gilbert said in a story by Auburn Athletics in 2015. "But I knew that football prepared me for them. It wasn’t an easy task going down to Auburn as a walk-on and not only earning a scholarship but earning respect from coaches and teammates. I believed in myself and the abilities that God blessed me with. It’s the same in this business.
“The main importance in life is your ability to impact others. What type of legacy are you leaving. So now I live my life with a totally different perspective knowing that I have the power to accomplish anything I want to with my priorities being in line.”
On the gridiron, Gilbert made the roster as a walk-on in 2003. The Florence, Alabama native saw action in every game his senior season.
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