Former Alabama running back Ahmaad Galloway has died at the age of 42 after a suspected medical issue. 

Galloway was found dead at his home in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday following a welfare check.

Former running back dies

A medical examiner is working to assess the cause of death, which remains unclear. But a medical issue is suspected as there were no signs of commotion in his apartment, the principal at Compton-Drew Middle School, where Galloway worked, said.

Principal Susan Reid said the school called in a welfare check after Galloway, who was always punctual, didn't show up for work.

"Ahmaad was always on time, very responsible. So, we knew something might be wrong," Reid said. "There wasn’t anything disrupted at Ahmaad’s apartment, so we are thinking that it could have been a medical issue."

Unexpected death

The Millington, Tennessee native played for the Crimson Tide from 1999 to 2002, where he ran 1,830 yards and scored 17 touchdowns.

Galloway was eventually drafted to the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL draft but was forced to sit out the season because of an injury he sustained at Alabama, where he was a backup to future NFL great Shaun Alexander.

Galloway went on to play for the Scottish Claymores and Galaxy Frankfurt in NFL Europe, as well as the San Diego Chargers. After retiring from football in 2010, Galloway worked as a high school football coach for some time.

He was working as an eighth grade English teacher at the time of his death. Former Alabama linebacker Marvin Constant said he spoke with Galloway days ago and he "sounded great."

"We talked frequently about life, not football,” Constant said. “We talked just a week ago and he sounded great. We have been very close since 2002 when we spent time together rehabbing our knee injuries.”

Accomplished athlete mourned

In addition to being an accomplished athlete, Galloway was described as a kind, humble man who worked well with kids.

“Growing up he always said that he was going to reach the NFL, and he did,” Galloway's cousin Monaco Houston said. “He had a quiet smile- he was very shy. As he grew, he was always great with kids- he was loved very much.”

Galloway’s sister Kimberley Slaughter said her brother was a quiet man who "loved football growing up and later loved his children Austin and Aubrey.”

Students at Galloway's school are receiving counseling, Reid said. Galloway is survived by two children.