Former Hurst L.D. Bell, NFL kicker Blanchard dies of heart attack

Former Indianapolis Colts and Oklahoma State kicker Cary Blanchard died Tuesday at age 47.

Mindi Blanchard confirmed her ex-husband’s death. She said Cary passed away unexpectedly of what she believes was a massive heart attack, but added that an autopsy has not been performed.

Blanchard lived near Edmond, Okla., a suburb of Oklahoma City, but Mindi said he died in Mabank, Texas, three days after his mother’s funeral there.

As a Colt, Blanchard was an Associated Press All-Pro in 1996 and a Pro Bowl selection in 1997. His nine-year NFL career also included stints with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.

A three-time All-Big Eight selection (1988-90), Blanchard finished his Oklahoma State career with 331 points.

Blanchard is survived by his son, Blake and Blake’s wife, Tia, his daughter, Bayli and his son, Braeden.

Mindi said the funeral will take place Friday at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.

“Cary was a family man who loved his children and his family more than anything,” Mindi said.

This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 10:43 PM with the headline "Former Hurst L.D. Bell, NFL kicker Blanchard dies of heart attack."