Former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl safety Todd Bell has died at the age of 46 after suffering an apparent heart attack on Wednesday morning while driving his car in Columbus, Ohio.

Bell played for the Bears for seven years and earned Pro Bowl honours in 1984.

A favourite of former Bears defensive co-ordinator Buddy Ryan, Bell signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1988 when Ryan coached the team.

However, Bell spent the 1985 season as on injured reserve when the Bears finished 15-1 and won the Super Bowl.

He starred at Ohio State, earning All-Big Ten selections as a junior and senior.

The Buckeyes went to the Rose Bowl with an 11-0 record in Bell's junior year, but lost to Southern California 17-16, costing them the national championship.

In that game, Bell ran down Heisman Trophy winner Charles White from behind and stripped him of the ball to prevent a touchdown.