In a poignant tribute to her late partner, Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, Catalina Mancera recently celebrated their forthcoming child surrounded by family after his heartbreaking suicide last November.
In a heartfelt Instagram post on Sunday, Mancera shared how the unwavering support of their families has helped her through this challenging time. The post featured touching images from her baby shower held in Pilot Point, Texas.
“There are no words to adequately express my gratitude for the incredible people God has placed in my life,” Mancera shared. “Though this season has been incredibly tough, the love and support surrounding me has brought some light into the darkness. I am deeply thankful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the baby and me, and to those who, despite not being present, sent their love from afar.”
She continued by expressing appreciation for her family’s efforts, “I also want to thank my family for the beautiful shower they organized in Michigan. Both of our families have showered me with love during this time, and I’ll forever remember the kindness, prayers, and support that have lifted me through it all 🤍.”
Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mancera radiated elegance in a white dress as she posed with loved ones at the Selah Event Venue.
Another image showed cookies with messages of “Baby Kneeland” and “A little piece of heaven is on the way.”
Mancera previously shared that she is due to give birth in June.
“I dreamed of you long before I ever knew you. I dreamed of building a family, of the life your dad and I talked about and imagined together,” she wrote in a December Instagram post, including sonogram photos. “I’m so excited for you, but my heart still aches. It aches for the moments I won’t get to share with him, and for the love I wish you could experience the way I did.”
Kneeland and Mancera began dating when he was at Western Michigan University in her native Kalamazoo, his cousin Nicole Kneeland-Woods told the Daily Mail. He is from nearby Grand Rapids.
Kneeland died by suicide at the age of 24 in November following a police pursuit on Dallas Parkway near Warren Parkway, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Kneeland was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Frisco police — who said they received information during their pursuit that Kneeland had expressed suicidal ideations.
According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by TMZ Sports, an operator stated that Kneeland’s girlfriend said she received a concerning message from Kneeland and was trying to contact the defensive end’s agent.
A 911 operator said on the audio that his girlfriend stated that Kneeland was armed, has a history of mental illness — and she quoted him as saying he would “end it all.”
Kneeland’s death came two days after he played 17 snaps during the Cowboys’ 27-17 loss to the Cardinals.
He scored a touchdown on a blocked punt in the first half at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.