Gabriella Ferlita
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died from an accidental drug overdose, it has been revealed.
The Maryland-based American footballer, 26, was tragically found dead on June 21 with no signs of trauma or foul play. He leaves behind a fiancée, Doni Smith, and three young children.
Investigators have now said a drug overdose was the cause of death, which was later confirmed on Friday.
Jaylon sadly died from a fatal mix of fentanyl and cocaine before his body was found last week, according to a medical examiner in the city.
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The Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to the Daily Mail that the death has since been ruled an accident. A written autopsy is not yet available, but the agency is hoping to complete the report within the following few months.
A team statement said: “Our priority is focused on the man Jaylon was and the positive impact he made on so many as a father, son, fiancée, friend and teammate.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment further while we continue to support his family and teammates, who are mourning the tragic loss of a loved one and will celebrate his life tomorrow.”
Following his death, Jaylon’s family issued a statement of their own, explaining that his passing was “one of the darkest moments in our lives.”
Jaylon’s body is scheduled for viewing on Saturday in St. Francisville, Louisiana, according to Doni.
Doni, who is the mother of Jaylon's three children, penned a tribute to her partner on social media last week: “God, this is killing me baby!!! Rest In Paradise my King!!! I miss you like crazy.”
His Baltimore coach, John Harbour said: “Jaylon was a good-hearted, gentle person who loved his family and his team. He was a joy to talk with and be around every day.
“You always wanted to see and talk to ‘Ferg’. Our prayers and our help go to his family.”
A GoFundMe has been set up in Jaylon's honour to help provide items for his three children, costs for travel to and from Baltimore, as well as food, nappies, 'and basic necessities whilst Doni is preparing to lay Jaylon to rest'.
To donate to Jaylon's GoFundMe, click the link here.
Jaylon, who was nicknamed 'Sack Daddy,' was drafted by the Ravens in the third round in 2019 and played the remainder of his professional career with them. During his feat, he appeared in 38 games and had 4 1/2 sacks.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.