Ron Brace, a second-round draft choice of the New England Patriots in 2009, has died at the age of 29.

Brace's death was confirmed by the Springfield (Massachusetts) Police Department. An investigation into the defensive lineman's death is ongoing.

The cause of death is not suspicious.

"We were deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of Ron Brace's death," the Patriots said in a statement.

"Seven years ago tomorrow, we drafted Ron after his standout career at Boston College. During his Patriots career, the Springfield native was always eager to volunteer and give back in our communities, especially when those community initiatives were held in Western Mass. It is difficult to believe that someone so young and in the prime of his life is no longer with us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ron's family, friends and the many former teammates who will mourn Ron's passing."