Former Missouri running back Damien Nash died Saturday night after collapsing in his home. Nash played earlier in the day in a charity basketball game to help raise money in honor of his older brother. The cause of death is unknown. Nash was 24.

The game was held at Riverview Gardens High School where Nash starred before transferring to East St. Louis. As a student at Riverview, Nash led his team to the 1998 Class 5 Missouri State championship.

"Damien was a very highly recruited running back out of St. Louis," MU Director of Media Relations Chad Moller said. "…one of the first big name recruits to come to the Mizzou program under coach Pinkel…"

Nash arrived at Mizzou in 2003 and rushed for 462 yards while backing up Zack Abron. In 2004, it was Nash’s turn to shine and he did just that. He led the Tigers in rushing during a shortened 2004 season rushing for 792 yards and seven touchdowns. After his junior season Nash declared for the NFL Draft and was selected in the fifth round by the Tennessee Titans. He played a year in Tennessee before signing with the Denver Broncos in 2006.

"He was always very gracious. Very appreciative," Moller said.