Former NBA Star Darius Morris' Cause of Death Revealed a Month After He Died at Age 33

The cause of death of Darius Morris has been revealed.

The former Los Angeles Lakers guard was found dead on May 4. His cause of death was coronary heart disease, with drug and alcohol use also playing a role, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner, according to ABC 7 and TMZ Sports.

Ethanol, cocaine and hydrocodone were listed as “contributing conditions” to Morris’ death in the medical examiner’s report, ABC 7 reported. His death was classified as an accident.

Athletics Shams Charania was the first to report Morris’ death in May. According to TMZ Sports, before his body was found, Morris was last seen alive on April 22 when he felt sick and had flu-like symptoms.

Following his death, his family released a statement to TMZ requesting privacy.

Darius Morris is playing for the San Antonio Spurs in July 2019.

Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the statement read. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”

The Los Angeles native was drafted into the NBA by the Lakers as a second-round pick in 2011 and played with the team for two seasons alongside the late Kobe Bryant.

During his four-year professional basketball career, Morris also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies before ending his career in 2015 with the Brooklyn Nets.

Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Before joining the NBA, Morris played college basketball for the University of Michigan Wolverines.

Darius Morris plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013.

Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty

He made history when he became one of only five college players to record more than 200 assists in a single season.

“The Michigan basketball community is mourning the passing of Darius Morris 💛💙,” the team wrote in post on X (formerly Twitter) last month, sharing a photo of the athlete smiling as he walked the field wearing the No. 4 jersey.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education