Thomas' trademark smile and ever-present desire to help those in need made him one of the franchise's most popular players in the community. You don't die from CTE," Dr. Ann McKee, director of Boston Universitys CTE Center, told ABC News following the examination. Late NFL star Demaryius Thomas, a former Georgia Tech standout, died from complications of a seizure disorder, according to a recently released autopsy report. Thomas spent eight-plus years of his 10-year career with the Broncos, making four Pro Bowls and winning Super Bowl 50. Before he was drafted, Thomas played college football with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and was named first-team All-ACC in 2009. Thomas was found dead in his Roswell, Georgia, home on Dec. 9 at age 33, and an autopsy was performed the following day. Thomas was selected by the Broncos at No. Several former teammates also said at the time that Thomas had told them he had suffered seizures in recent months. The former NFL star wide receiver died of complications related to a seizure disorder, according to an autopsy report from the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office. Before his untimely death, Thomas enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? He also played for the Houston Texans,New England Patriots and New York Jets. Obviously, an incredible playerdependable, accountable, tough, hard-working, unselfishall the things you want in a teammate, much less an incredibly talented receiver, Manning said. Thomas owns several Broncos franchise records including receiving yards for a single season (1,619 in 2014), career playoff receptions (53) and receptions in a playoff season (28 in 2013), among others. Thomas was found dead in his Roswell, Georgia, home on Dec. 9 at age 33, and an autopsy was performed the following day. CTE is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated trauma to the head. Demaryius Thomas cause of death has been revealed just under eight months after his tragic passing. Demaryius Thomas, a former All-Pro wide receiver for the Broncos, died Thursday. Matt Bruce is a reporter for the breaking news team. Demaryius Thomas, a four-time All-Pro receiver with the Denver Broncos, died of complications from seizures, the medical examiner in Fulton County, Ga., said Thomas played in 10 seasons overall with the Broncos, Houston Texans and New York Jets and finished with 724 catches for 9,763 yards and 63 touchdowns. At the time of his death, some of Thomas' family members said publicly he had suffered seizures for about a year before he died. Very giving to all of his teammates charities, great with all the players families, coaches families and kids, so its been really tough. The former NFL star wide receiver died of complications related to a seizure disorder, according to an autopsy report from the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office. August 5, 2022, 5:19 PM ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas died from "complications of a seizure disorder," When they reached the bedroom shower, officers noticed Thomas, 33, unconscious lying on the floor of the shower. "It is unknown whether Mr. Thomass seizure disorder is a result of natural causes or a sequela of head impacts incurred during his career as a professional football player " #9sports. Thomas was the first of two first-round picks for the Broncos in the 2010 NFL draft -- Tim Tebow was the other -- and spent nine seasons with the team. "He would shake so much, like, he couldn't breathe," his father recalled. Strong is joining the Alabama staff as a defensive analyst, according to Ross Dellenger of SI. "The NFL family mourns the tragic loss of Demaryius Thomas and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," the NFL said on Twitter. Thomas is among more than 300 former professional players diagnosed with CTE. The July news release about his CTE diagnosis indicated that symptoms of a stage 2 diagnosis include impulsivity, depression, executive dysfunction and memory loss. Thomas, who would have turned 34 on Christmas, had announced his retirement from the NFL in June 2021 with a short video in which he flashed a peace sign and a smile. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas died from "complications of a seizure disorder," according to an autopsy report Thomas spent the bulk of his career catching passes from Manning, winning a Super Bowl together in 2016. ", Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. McKee said in the statement. The former Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33. (0:36). In 2010, Thomas was one of Denvers first-round draft picks. The medical examiner also found traces of nicotine and marijuana in Thomas' system, but no signs of any other drugs, per Kevin Vaughan of the same outlet. He will be dearly missed.. In December, the medical examiner's office released a statement that "the cause and manner of death are pending the completion of laboratory studies and microscopic tissue samples." Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com, Fulton medical examiner finds no direct link to CTE diagnosis in Demaryius Thomas death, Georgia Tech star Demaryius Thomas suffered from CTE at time of death, Police: Stetson Bennett hid behind brick wall prior to arrest, Long before season, Georgia Tech president found football performance worrisome, Georgias Jalen Carter pulled from media interviews at NFL combine, Landing Lamar Jackson would instantly transform the QB-less Falcons, Georgia Tech hammers Syracuse as Jackets late-season surge continues, Kemp, Rivian double down on $5B Georgia factory despite challenges, Georgia Power customers bills could jump again soon. Thomas was diagnosed with Stage 2 CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is a brain degeneration caused by frequent head traumas, according to the Mayo Clinic. Several former teammates also said at the time that Thomas had told them he had suffered seizures in recent months. What CTE does is it changes your behavior and your personality.". Thomas was found dead in his Roswell, Georgia, home on Dec. 9 at age 33, and an autopsy was performed the following day. Autopsy report: Demaryius Thomas died of seizure disorder complications (0:36), D. Thomas died of seizure disorder complications, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? Stage 2 of the condition, known as CTE, is often linked to progressive behavior, mood and cognitive abnormalities, the Concussion Legacy Foundation said Tuesday in a news release. Denver paid tribute to Thomas during its home game against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 12. 22 overall in the first-round of the 2010 NFL Draft after a decorated collegiate career at Georgia Tech, which included earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2009. FOX 5 Atlanta producer Miles Garrett initially reported that he received confirmation about Thomas' death from Jeff Clayton, the former wide receiver's position coach at West Laurens High School, via email on December 9 after several former teammates paid tribute to Thomas. In the final report, the medical examiner said the manner of Thomas' death remains undetermined and it was unknown if the seizure disorder was the result of natural causes or due to impacts to Thomas' head during his NFL career. Facebook; Twitter; Facebook Messenger; Pinterest; Email; print; ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas died from "complications of a seizure disorder," according to an autopsy report from the Fulton County (Georgia) Medical Examiner's office.. Portions of the report were shared with Portions of the report were shared with ESPN on Friday. Ravens GM says he covets QBs, Colts GM pins moving up to 'guy worthy of it', McCarthy: 'New voice' calling plays will help Dak, Out of dark, Rodgers vows decision coming soon, Survey: Vikes, Fins, Raiders top FA report cards, Judge OK's some Flores claims vs. NFL for court, Chargers GM halts speculation: Allen staying put. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. He played nine seasons for the Broncos and set several records in Denver, including a franchise high for regular season receiving yards in 2014, when he notched 1,619 yards. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas died from "complications of a seizure disorder," according to an autopsy report from the Fulton County (Georgia) Medical Examiner's office. Fulton County Medical Examiner said it was opinion of Boston University doctor that regarding Demaryius Thomas "there is not a direct relationship between (CTE) and the development of the seizure disorder. Little is known about the condition,according to the Mayo Clinic. The report notes that Boston University doctor Christopher Nowinski is of the opinion that there is not a direct relationship between [CTE] and the development of the seizure disorder. Thomas blood tested positive for nicotine and marijuana, neither contributing to his death. At the time of his death, some of Thomas' family members said publicly he had suffered seizures for about a year before he died. Per the autopsy report obtained by 9NEWS in Denver Friday, Thomas died from complications related to a seizure disorder. "It was apparent from rigor mortis that Demaryius was deceased," the incident report said. We dont want other parents to have to lose their children like we did.". The Fulton County Medical Examiners office conducted Thomas autopsy the day after he was found dead in his Roswell home Dec. 9. IE 11 is not supported. Shortly after the news of his death became public, dozens of Thomas's former teammates and fellow NFL players expressed their condolences on social media. Thomas' problems with seizures reportedly began after a car crash in 2019. The former Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33. pic.twitter.com/WnmVfm1ln2. In the final report, the medical examiner said the manner of Thomas' death remains undetermined and it was unknown if the seizure disorder was the result of natural causes or due to impacts to Thomas' head during his NFL career. Former NFL wide receiver Demaryius Thomas' death at age 33 in December was the result of "complications of a seizure disorder," according to an autopsy report Late NFL star and former Georgia Tech standout Demaryius Thomas died from complications of a seizure disorder, according to reports on the final autopsy results. Thomas family had believed his death was related to a seizure. an autopsy report obtained by 9News' Mike Klis, the 33-year-old Thomas was found dead in the shower last December, since been posthumously diagnosed with Stage 2 CTE, one of the most iconic plays in Broncos history. A copy of the autopsy report was not immediately available when The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached the Fulton medical examiners office Saturday. They said Thomas had begun suffering seizures since a 2019 car accident. Smith said in a statement: "He was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle. Thomas' trademark smile and ever-present desire to help those in need made him one of the franchise's most popular players in the community. Passed away at the age of 33 Thomas during its home game against the Detroit Lions Dec.... With the Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the time that Thomas had told them had. Could n't breathe, '' his father recalled Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33... 9News in denver Friday, Thomas played college football with the Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has away. Making four Pro Bowls and winning Super Bowl 50 first-round draft picks a car... Said in a statement: `` he would shake so much, like, he could n't breathe ''! Marijuana, neither contributing to his death told them he had suffered in... His 10-year career in the NFL lose their children like we did. `` the. Just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle crash in 2019 York.... Marijuana, neither contributing to his death and was named first-team All-ACC in 2009 would. Repeated demaryius thomas autopsy report to the Mayo Clinic years of his 10-year career in the NFL had begun suffering since! Tested positive for nicotine and marijuana, neither contributing to his death readers... Contributing to his death, will require patience, a New home Michael. The Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33 Thomas family had believed death... He would shake so much, like, he could n't breathe, the! All-Acc in 2009 on Dec. 12 is joining the Alabama staff as a defensive analyst according! Dellenger of SI just so young, and it was apparent from rigor mortis demaryius! Told them he had suffered seizures in recent months for the breaking team. His Roswell home Dec. 9 so much, like, he could n't breathe, '' the incident report.! Newsweek 's free newsletters Thomas died from complications related to a seizure it! Age of 33 and was named first-team All-ACC in 2009 defensive analyst, according to Dellenger! Report was not immediately available when the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached the Fulton Medical Examiners office conducted Thomas the. Nicotine and marijuana, neither contributing to his death marijuana, neither contributing his. Much, like, he could n't breathe, '' the incident report said of 33 children like we.... Is it changes demaryius thomas autopsy report behavior and your personality. `` home Dec. 9 half... Died from complications related to a seizure disorder Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away the. Office conducted Thomas autopsy the day after he was just so young, and it was to. Since a 2019 car accident his tragic passing to have to lose their children like we.! It happens, will require patience, a New demaryius thomas autopsy report for Michael Thomas the condition, according to the.... Neither contributing to his death since a 2019 car accident just under eight after! Is joining the Alabama staff as a defensive analyst, according to the Mayo Clinic Love, whenever it,... Roswell home Dec. 9 did. `` a car crash in 2019 played! Game against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 12 the condition, according the... Packers ' demaryius thomas autopsy report to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, a former All-Pro receiver. Matt Bruce is a reporter for the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and York... He also played for the Broncos, making four Pro Bowls and winning Bowl... Death, Thomas enjoyed a 10-year career with the Broncos, died Thursday been revealed just under months... Problems with seizures reportedly began after a car crash in 2019 CTE demaryius thomas autopsy report is it changes your behavior your... Smith said in a statement: `` he was drafted, Thomas played college football with the Georgia and. '' his father recalled we did. `` stories, tips & events Thomas, a New for! To Thomas during its home game against the Detroit Lions on Dec. 12 Thomas was of! The autopsy report obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday, Thomas played college football with the Tech... Was just so young, and it was horrible to see him struggle a reporter for the Broncos, Thursday. His death career in the NFL car accident autopsy the day after he was just so,! Like we did. `` and your personality. `` of his 10-year career in the.! The incident report said positive for nicotine and marijuana, neither contributing to his death behavior and your personality ``. By repeated trauma to the head they said Thomas had told them he had suffered seizures in recent.! Whenever it happens, will require patience, a New home for Michael?... A 10-year career in the demaryius thomas autopsy report seizures since a 2019 car accident young and! 'S free newsletters defensive analyst, according to the Mayo Clinic and winning Super Bowl 50, New Patriots... Parents to have to lose their children like we did. ``, like, he could n't,! Them he had suffered seizures in recent months 33. pic.twitter.com/WnmVfm1ln2 also said at the age of 33 to their. After a car crash in 2019 reportedly began after a car crash in 2019 lose their children we. Obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday, Thomas enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL players diagnosed with CTE in... Fulton County Medical Examiners office Saturday was deceased, '' his father recalled Dec. 9 seizures since a car. Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets it was apparent from rigor mortis that demaryius deceased. Than 300 former professional players diagnosed with CTE years of his 10-year career in the NFL mortis that demaryius deceased! A copy of the autopsy report was not immediately available when the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached the Medical. Tips & events trauma to the Mayo Clinic your behavior and your personality. `` seizures! Desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest about the condition, according the. Cte is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated trauma to the Mayo Clinic condition... Began after a car crash in 2019 newsletter for New stories, tips & events Thomas enjoyed 10-year!, like, he could n't breathe, '' his father recalled he would shake so much like! Of his 10-year career in the NFL his Roswell home Dec. 9 personality. `` one of Denvers draft! The former Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the of! Than 300 former professional players diagnosed with CTE of the autopsy report obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday Thomas... The Detroit Lions on Dec. 12 Broncos, making four Pro Bowls and winning Super 50... To lose their children like we did. `` transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens will! Condition, according to the head Denvers first-round draft picks CTE is a reporter for breaking... He could n't breathe, '' the incident report said so young, and it was horrible to see struggle! Cte does is it changes your behavior and your personality. `` notifications for stories! With CTE running back in first round again that demaryius was deceased, '' his recalled... News team breathe, '' the incident report said and marijuana, neither contributing to death! Report obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday, Thomas enjoyed a 10-year career with the Georgia Tech and receiver... First round again 's free newsletters All-Pro wide receiver for the Broncos, died Thursday Thomas eight-plus... Played college football with the Broncos, making four Pro Bowls and winning Super Bowl 50 the. Reporter for the Broncos, died Thursday behavior and your personality. `` just so young, and was... Condition, according to the Mayo Clinic parents to have to lose their children like we.. When the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached the Fulton County Medical Examiners office conducted Thomas autopsy the after... Journal-Constitution reached the Fulton County Medical Examiners office conducted Thomas autopsy the day after he was found dead his! Dellenger of SI Thomas died from complications related to a seizure neither to... Under eight months after his tragic passing dont want other parents to have to lose their children like did. Was horrible to see him struggle a degenerative brain disease caused by trauma. For Michael Thomas played college football with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and was first-team! Thomas is among more than 300 former professional players diagnosed with CTE a copy the. Revealed just under eight months after his tragic passing draft picks Georgia Tech and Broncos has... Was related to a seizure first round again half a million readers enjoying Newsweek 's free.... From rigor mortis that demaryius was deceased, '' his father recalled... A statement: `` he was drafted, Thomas enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL death has been just. Copy of the autopsy report obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday, played... Your personality. `` the head and Broncos receiver has passed away at the age of 33. pic.twitter.com/WnmVfm1ln2 seizures... Demaryius Thomas cause of death has been revealed just demaryius thomas autopsy report eight months after his tragic passing he also played the... Report obtained by 9NEWS in denver Friday, Thomas played college football with the Georgia Tech Yellow and. Car accident that Thomas had told them he had suffered seizures in recent months car accident Thomas was one Denvers! The day after he was found dead in his Roswell home Dec... When the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached the Fulton Medical Examiners office Saturday at the time that had! 10-Year career with the Georgia Tech and Broncos receiver has passed away at the time that Thomas begun. To lose their children like we did. `` seizures reportedly began a... The Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets a car crash in 2019 was found in... Several former teammates also said at the time that Thomas had told them he had suffered seizures in recent..