A 24-year-old man accused of masterminding an alleged investment scam targeting NFL players has been found dead in a swimming pool at a home in Harrison Township, New Jersey.
Authorities identified the deceased as Mohamed Coulibaly. According to U.S. media reports, police discovered his body after responding to a welfare check requested by concerned family members.
Officials have not disclosed the cause of death, and an investigation is ongoing.
Coulibaly had recently come under scrutiny over allegations that he operated a fraudulent e-commerce investment scheme in which professional athletes were persuaded to invest in what appeared to be profitable online stores.
Investigators allege that investors were shown fabricated sales records and promised returns from successful e-commerce businesses that were not genuine.
Among those who said they were affected is former NFL linebacker Tae Crowder, who claimed he invested his entire savings of $500,000 after being introduced to Coulibaly through a mutual acquaintance. Crowder said he never received the promised returns on his investment.
Before his death, Coulibaly denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that investors had not yet been paid because he was awaiting funds from what he described as a planned acquisition involving his business venture.
At the time of his death, Coulibaly had not been convicted of any criminal offence related to the allegations.
Authorities have not indicated whether his death is connected to the ongoing investigation, and no further details have been released.