Tyler Sash, the former University of Iowa standout and New York Giants safety, died from what was determined to have been an accidental overdose after mixing "two powerful pain medications," the medical examiner's autopsy revealed, according to Ryan J. Foley of the Associated Press. The medical examiner also stated that they believe a history of painful injuries was a "contributing factor" in Sash's death.
Sash was discovered in his Oskaloosa, Iowa home on Sept. 8. Lab results revealed that the manner of death was an "accidental mixed drug toxicity involving methadone and hydrocodone," the Iowa State Medical Examiner's office stated.
They also determined that a recent shoulder dislocation and a "history of chronic shoulder pain" were also "significant condition" in Sash's death.
Sash, an Iowa-native, started 37 games for the Hawkeyes between 2007 and 2010. He entered the NFL draft after his junior season and was selected in the sixth-round by the Giants. He played with the team for two seasons, winning one Super Bowl.
He was suspended for the first four games of the 2012 NFL season after testing positive for Adderall, which represented a violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.
Further tests will be administered to determine whether Sash, 27 at the time of his death, suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a brain disease resulting from repeated trauma. It has been discovered in the brains of numerous former NFL players.
The results of the additional tests will be available in eight to 12 months, per the Medical Examiner's office, via the AP.
