# Former Bengals DT Ekom Udofia Killed By Police In Arizona
In a devastating turn of events, the NFL community mourned the loss of former NFL defensive tackle Ekom Udofia who was tragically shot and killed by Phoenix police officers.
According to reports from KTAR News, police stated that Udofia was carrying a BB gun and behaving erratically in the street, causing disruption to traffic flow. Sergeant Mercedes Fortune clarified that he was not targeting cars but was instead impeding the passing vehicles. When instructed to lower his weapon, Udofia allegedly defied the orders and advanced towards the police with his weapon raised.
One of Udofia’s close friends, David Uffens, expressed his shock and sadness in an interview with ABC 15, stating, “I don’t know what happened, and I can’t place myself there. I only know that we lost a tremendous person, somebody that everybody I know cared about deeply.”
Udofia, known as a “gentle giant” by those who knew him, had played for the Bengals and Saints briefly after a collegiate career at Stanford University. His sudden and tragic death has left many in disbelief and mourning his loss.
For more information, you can watch a related video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6mAQsRJLSk).
