Police have confirmed they are treating Michael Wright’s death as murder.

Authorities are investigating whether the murder could have happened due the victim arranging a date on the popular gay hook-up app.

The body of Michael Wright was found by an NYPD officer in the back seat of his car earlier this week.

His roommates reported him missing on Sunday, after he failed to return home.

Initially, police thought Wright may have committed suicide – however, his body was soon found concealed under rubbish bags.

Forensics soon discovered that the player had sustained that a serious skull fracture, leading investigators to believe he was murdered.

Wright started his sports career as a basketball player at the University of Arizona, playing for Arizona Wildcats from 1998-2000.

He was drafted by the New York Knicks in 2001 but never made it on to the roster. Instead, he played overseas in countries including France, Poland and Turkey.

His family have said that they are shocked and devastated by the death of their “gentle giant”.

“We are in disbelief,” said Wright’s cousin Randolph Berry. “They’re telling us it’s foul play.”

He also told NY Daily News that he didn’t know if his cousin was gay.

“We don’t know anything about his personal life. All we know is that he did damage overseas,” he added.

“When he played ball, he destroyed everyone in front of him.”

“He left his French team in February and was planning to go back to Europe and play,” he told the newspaper.

“The last time I talked to him he thought he had two more years left. He wasn’t planning on retiring.”

The NYPD told PinkNews: “There are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.”

Grindr is yet to issue a statement.