Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz may have died of a drug overdose, according to a Phoenix police report. Matusz, who played most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles, was 37 years old.
Matusz died on January 6 at his home. He was discovered by his mother, Elizabeth Matusz, according to a Phoenix police report Baltimore Sun and Baltimore Banner. Elizabeth allegedly found drug paraphernalia on the floor near his body and a white substance in his mouth, police said. The name of the substance has been redacted, reports the Sun. There were no signs of foul play, police said.
Phoenix police confirmed to PEOPLE that police responded to a call at Matusz’s home around 2:45 p.m. His death remains under investigation and the remains were recovered by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Brian Matusz in May 2016.
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The case was sealed Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the request of Matusz’s family, a spokesman for the Office of the Medical Examiner said Sun. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
According to the police report he obtained Banner and SunElizabeth Matusz took her son to the emergency room at 3 a.m. on January 4th. He was treated and prescribed medication and sent home six hours later. He was recommended to see a mental health professional. Both the reason for his visit to the hospital and the name of the medicine he was prescribed were redacted.
Matusz was taken to Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona by his parents on January 5, but was not admitted. He spent the evening there with his parents before going home, according to the report.
Elizabeth reportedly told police that her son had made statements about how he used to “have everything” and that “there was nothing left for me.” She also told police her son had a history of drug abuse, although the name of the drug was redacted. He had been clean for about eight months, Elizabeth told police. According to the report, there was no evidence of alcohol consumption at Matusz’s home.
Elizabeth went to Matusz’s house on Jan. 6 because she couldn’t reach him after his phone was lost at the hospital, according to a police report, reports Sun. She had to enter his home through the bathroom window and found him dead on the couch. She called the police at 2:45 p.m. and firefighters pronounced her dead. Police said drug paraphernalia was found near Matsuza’s hand.
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Brian Matusz in May 2016.
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Matsuz was drafted by the Orioles with the fourth pick in 2008. He spent most of his career in Baltimore before being traded to the Atlanta Braves in May 2016. He later signed with the Chicago Cubs, where he started one game. He finished his MLB career in the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system in 2017. He played in the Mexican League and the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball before retiring in 2019.
“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles said in a Jan. 7 statement. “A staple of our club from 2009 to 2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland and his passion for baseball and our community was unparalleled. He dedicated his time to connecting with all the fans he could, was a valued teammate and always had a smile on his face. Brian’s family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.”
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If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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