NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) — A balloon release was held Sunday for NFL wide receiver Rondale Moore.

That's how Moore's family describes him as lovable, humble and a great person after releasing balloons in remembrance of him Sunday, March 1.

The balloon release comes just a week after he was found dead in a garage at a New Albany home after taking his own life. He was 25 years old. 

For Marleach Shirley, the weight of knowing that Moore died by suicide feels heavy.

"I just can't put it around me, the way it happened," said Shirley.

Moore was Shirley's first cousin, but she said he was more like a nephew to her. She said she didn't know he was suffering emotionally.

"He was always happy," said Shirley.

Rondale Moore

Rondale Moore at the 2018 Paul Hornung Award presentation.

Shirley said she now believes Moore was feeling defeated while trying to recover from constant football injuries and feeling like he let his loved ones down, which she said can be hard burdens for one person to carry.

"The last time I spoke to Rondale, I don't remember the date, but we were at my aunt's house, his mother's house and we were in the living room, and he had just got surgery on his hand. And I asked, 'What hand is that?' And he said, 'That's my throwing hand,' and I said, 'That's going to get well,' and I said, 'We're going to see you out there, and we're going to see you do your thing.' And he said, 'Yes I am'," Shirley said.

Shirley said the last week has been tough and difficult for her, Moore's mother and extended family.

There was a prayer before the balloons were released into the sky.

Shirley gave loving words about who Moore was.

"A great person, Rondale Moore was a great person," said Shirley. "Lovable, important."

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, at Northside Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Moore's funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6 at Northside Christian Church. To view his obituary, click here.

If you or someone you know has thoughts of harming yourself, call the 24-hour suicide hotline by dialing 988.

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