Tragedy struck on September 12th when former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, Mike Williams, passed away at the age of 36. He died after suffering a rare bacterial sepsis following a head injury at a construction site in Tampa.
According to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, Williams’ cause of death was revealed as “bacterial sepsis with cerebral abscesses and necrotizing lobar pneumonia due to multiple dental caries and retained dental roots,” as detailed in a report by ESPN. This rare condition is often linked to poor dental health and can lead to infections. Additionally, Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease was listed as a contributing factor in his death.
After sustaining his head injury, Williams was admitted to the ICU and eventually transferred into hospice care. The full autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending, and no foul play is suspected.
Mike Williams, seen here in 2013, died in September after he sustained a head injury during an incident at a construction site. (Getty Images)
A native of upstate New York, Williams spent four dominant seasons with Tampa Bay, recording a career-high 11 touchdowns and 964 yards in his rookie season. Despite off-field issues leading to a trade, Williams retired with impressive stats – boasting 223 catches for 3,089 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Following his tragic death, he was remembered by the Buccaneers, who said, “We are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Mike Williams, which has left our organization, his former teammates and fans with heavy hearts. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones as they mourn this tragedy.”
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