Police say Henry and Tonga were arguing at a home owned by Tonga’s family in northwest Charlotte on the morning of Dec. 16 when Tonga attempted to drive away. A witness said he saw a shirtless Henry jump into the back of the truck.

A 911 caller said she saw Henry beating on the back window as she drove behind the truck. About a minute later, another 911 caller said he saw an unresponsive man laying in the road.

Henry died one day later of blunt-force trauma to the head. He was 26.

“Homicide detectives interviewed Ms. Tonga, who was cooperative throughout the duration of the investigation,” according to police. “Her statement aligned with the testimonies of witnesses. But no one was present to see the exact moment Mr. Henry emerged from the truck’s rear.”

This week, Tonga told ESPN that although Henry leaped out of the back, he had no intention of hurting himself. She stated that she thinks Henry was scared since he saw someone phoning the police and that he would land safely.

Henry had been placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a fractured forearm, therefore he was not with the Bengals when the incident occurred. Coaches and athletes in deep grief attended Henry’s Louisiana funeral. Since then, athletes have adorned their helmets with No. 15 stickers.

Henry and Tonga were raising three children. She said on her MySpace page days before the incident that they had just paid for their wedding rings.