Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Jaylon Fergusson, died at the age of twenty-six years old, and now his cause of death has been confirmed.
The Baltimore Ravens team announced the tragic death in a tweet on Wednesday, June 22.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Fergusson,” they began in the tweet.
“He was a kind respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon,” it finished.
The Ravens gave a statement on Friday, July 1. “Our priority is focused on the man Jaylon was and the positive impact he made on so many as a father, son, fiancé, friend, and teammate,” they said.
“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 [Saturday].”
Jaylon’s funeral took place on Saturday, in Bains, Louisiana, where he was born and raised.
Dozens of family and friends came together to celebrate his life at the Magnolia Full Gospel Baptist Church.
Many others took to social media to share their tributes to the star…
Fans were understandably distraught by the sudden news.
One wrote: “Steelers Nation prays alongside you today. So incredibly sad. Prayers to his family and friends and may he Rest In Peace”
While another added: “Prayers to the Ravens organization and all Ravens fans, no worse feeling than not only losing a young man only 26 years old. But losing someone who is currently representing your team. Much love from Steelers Nation!”
The talented young footballer was picked in the 3rd round of the NFL draft, as per TMZ, in 2019.
In the 3 seasons that he played for the team, he competed in a total of thirty-eight games.
The young star played as the outside linebacker and defensive end during his 3 seasons with the NFL Baltimore Ravens…
He also played with Louisiana Tech during his college career.
Jaylon was found unresponsive at the scene by police on June 21…
Medics later confirmed he had died.
At the time, foul play wasn’t suspected.
Cops initially thought Jaylon had taken an overdose.
And now, 2 weeks after his tragic death, a cause has been announced.
Fans are shocked by the news…
One Twitter user tried to make sense of it all, writing: “That’s so sad! Sounds like he was trying to self-medicate for something. Did he suffer from pain, success depression, or impostor syndrome, maybe? Another great talent lost too soon.”
A second wrote after learning the news: “This young man was a very respectful and intelligent person. This should not and does not define him, his life, or his legacy.”
“I’m sad to say I have heard of two other cases of people dying of this. It’s out there and it’s scary.” a third wrote.
Another echoed their shock: “This is an American epidemic… way worse than Covid… it’s killing our children.”
A spokesperson told TMZ that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced his death was deemed an accident.
Officials then revealed his death was likely the result of “the combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.”
We cannot imagine how Fergusson’s family, friends, and teammates are feeling right now.
But, we extend our prayers to all who are mourning at this moment in time.
Rest in peace, Jaylon Fergusson.