Jaylon Ferguson, Baltimore Ravens’ outside linebacker, was killed by the “combined effect of fentanyl, cocaine,” authorities stated Friday.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland also determined Ferguson’s death to be accidental.
Ferguson’s family was unable to be reached Friday for comment. Safarrah Lawson was Ferguson’s agent. She declined to comment on the findings that were made public the day before Ferguson died. The funeral will take place in Ferguson’s native Louisiana on Saturday.
The Ravens released a statement to NBC News saying that they are focusing on Jaylon, his man and the positive influence he had on so many, as a father and son, friend, and teammate. We are not permitted to speak further as we continue to support his loved ones and his teammates.
Baltimore police responded to a call about a questionable death just before 11:30 pm on June 21st. Ferguson was found “unresponsive”, being treated by medical personnel, the department stated in a statement.
According to the statement, he never regained consciousness after the incident and was declared dead on the spot.
Police said that although no signs of trauma or foul play were found, investigators have not ruled out the possibility of overdose.
Friday was not clear about the status of Ferguson’s murder investigation by the police department.
According to a U.S. government study, opioids and Fentanyl were responsible for the record-breaking number of overdose deaths in 2020.
The NFL and Ferguson’s teammates also shared their shock and condolences via social media after Ferguson’s passing.
It was a “tragic defeat” according to the league.
Ravens tweeted that Ferguson was “a kind and respectful young man with big smiles and an infectious personality.”
Ferguson played college football at Louisiana Tech, before joining the Ravens.
Ferguson was a Louisiana Tech sack specialist. He broke the NCAA record for 2018 with 45 sacks. This earned him the nickname “Sack Daddy” and he was awarded the Ravens’ jersey number 45.
