Former NFL defensive lineman Josh Mauro died from a deadly mix of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol, according to a preliminary medical examiner’s report that has now revealed the tragic details behind the ex-player’s sudden death at just 35 years old.
Mauro, who spent seven seasons in the NFL and played for teams including the Arizona Cardinals, died on April 23. At the time, his devastated family publicly mourned the shocking loss without revealing a cause of death.
Now, newly released findings obtained by the California Post say an autopsy conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, determined Mauro’s death was accidental and caused by “acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication.”
The heartbreaking revelation has stunned football fans who remembered Mauro as a towering defensive force who once appeared destined for a long future in the league.
His father, Greg Mauro, announced the tragedy in an emotional Facebook post that left many supporters in tears.
“With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new—living in the presence of the Lord—we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson, and friend,” he wrote.
Born in the United Kingdom, Mauro moved to Texas with his family when he was just 3 years old. He quickly made a name for himself as a standout football player at a suburban Dallas high school before eventually taking his talents to Stanford University.
After impressing at Stanford, Mauro entered the NFL and carved out a lengthy pro career that included four seasons with the Cardinals before later stints with several other teams. He officially retired following the 2021 season.
Mauro’s death comes as fentanyl continues to fuel a devastating overdose epidemic across America, with countless families losing loved ones to the powerful synthetic opioid often mixed with other dangerous substances.
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Anybody who does drugs like that has a death wish. I had thought the sixties had taught us that much!!