Autopsy Reveals Vincent Jackson’s Cause Of Death
Vincent Jackson’s cause of death has officially been ruled by a coroner.
According to ESPN, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner on Wednesday (Dec. 22) determined that the former NFL wide receiver died from chronic alcohol use. In February, he was found dead in his Brandon, Florida hotel room at the age of 38. Jackson had previously been reported missing by his family.
The medical examiner also confirmed Jackson was diagnosed with stage 2 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) by researchers at Boston University’s CTE Center.
The autopsy revealed Jackson suffered from alcoholic cardiomyopathy, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, esophageal varices, ascites, jaundice, remote pancreatitis, renal failure and hyponatremia dehydration, cardiovascular disease and intoxication by ethyl alcohol, ESPN reports.
CTE has been found in the brains of a number of former NFL players after their deaths. It’s caused by repeated concussions and trauma to the head often received while playing football.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Jackson’s body was discovered at approximately 11:30 a.m. EST on Feb. 15 at the Homewood Suites in Brandon, Florida, according to ESPN. Investigators claim there were no apparent signs of trauma.
ESPN reports that according to hotel staff, Jackson had been staying there since checking into a room on Jan. 11.
Jackson’s family reported him missing on Feb. 10 and a formal report was filed the following day. Police, however, located Jackson two days later at the hotel and the missing persons case was canceled.
Allison Gorrell, a family spokesperson, confirmed to USA Today and The New York Times that after his death Jackson’s family donated his brain to leading researchers at Boston University.
Jackson was drafted by the San Diego Charges in 2005 and played his final five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is ranked fourth in franchise history with 4,326 receiving yards and 10th in receptions with 268.
