In the 1991 off-season, Wise reported to training camp, but left several times without permission from the team; Wise was unhappy about his diminished role on the team, a contract dispute, and was also distraught over the declining health of his grandfather, Ray, who was rapidly losing his eyesight.
[12][4] After being waived by the Browns, Wise became depressed as his injured back did not respond to treatment, and he was forced to sell his house in Davis, California; at that time, Wise and his attorneys were filing an injury grievance against the Browns.
[4] During his time with the Los Angeles Raiders, Wise met his girlfriend, Mary McBride, on a blind date at a steak house in Davis.
[4] After he was waived by the Cleveland Browns, Wise called McBride to come pick him up at his home; the couple once lived together, and had planned to get married next spring.
[4] On August 21, 1992, Wise committed suicide at his home in Davis, at the age of 28; he was found dead in his bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.