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Body Of Former IU Football Player Discovered In Fort Wayne River

The Allen County Coroner's office says the body of former Indiana University football player James Hardy was discovered in the Maumee River Wednesday.

The coroner says a city employee called police after spotting a body in the river north of the Anthony Boulevard bridge. Hardy's cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.

The coroner says the former Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens player was reported missing a few weeks ago by relatives. The Fort Wayne Police Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resource and coroner are investigating.

"Indiana University athletics is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of James Hardy," IU said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

Hardy holds IU's record for catches (191), yardage (2,740) and scores. He also played on IU's basketball team for one season.

The former IU star was drafted in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Bills. A series of injuries limited him to 16 games over two seasons in Buffalo.

Hardy also played for Baltimore before being released in 2011.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.