Fred Lane, running back (1997-99)

Shot to death at age 24 on July 6, 2000, just inside the front door of his south Charlotte house by his wife, Deidra. He had recently been traded to the Indianapolis Colts. She later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to seven years and 11 months in jail. She is being held in a Raleigh prison, with a projected release date in March.

Reggie White, defensive end (2000)

Died at age 43 on Dec. 26, 2004. The morning after attending a Christmas Day movie with his family, he was rushed from his home in Cornelius to a Huntersville hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Medical examiners later said he suffered a cardiac arrhythmia and that sleep apnea might have contributed to his death.

Sam Mills, linebacker (1995-97)

and assistant coach (1998-2005)

One of two members of the Panthers' Hall of Honor. Died April 18, 2005, at age 45 after a 20-month battle against intestinal cancer. He continued to coach the team's linebackers between chemotherapy treatments during the 2003 and 2004 seasons."

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