Former NBA Star Darius Morris’ Cause of Death Revealed a Month After Passing at Age 33.
Former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Darius Morris was found deceased on May 4. The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that his death was due to coronary heart disease, with drug and alcohol use contributing, as per ABC 7 and TMZ Sports.
The medical examiner’s report, cited by ABC 7, listed ethanol, cocaine, and hydrocodone as “contributing conditions” to Morris’ death, which was ruled accidental.
Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported Morris’ death in May. According to TMZ Sports, Morris was last seen alive on April 22 when he was feeling ill with flu-like symptoms.
Following his death, his family released a statement through TMZ requesting privacy. “With great sadness, we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris,” the statement read. “During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace.”
A native of the Los Angeles area, Morris was drafted by the Lakers in 2011 as a second-round pick and played for the team for two seasons, alongside the late Kobe Bryant.
During his four-year NBA career, Morris also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies, ending his career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2015.
Before his NBA career, Morris played college basketball for the University of Michigan’s Wolverines.