Summary (tl;dr)

Former NFL player Josh Mauro's death has been officially ruled an accidental overdose from a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol, with recently released police reports detailing his activities, including a multi-day "bender," in the hours before his passing.

Essential Background

Josh Mauro was a 35-year-old former defensive lineman who played eight seasons in the NFL for teams including the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Oakland Raiders. He passed away on April 23, but the cause of his death was not initially disclosed by his family or former teams.

The Full Story

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office officially ruled Josh Mauro's death an accidental overdose, citing "acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication" as the cause. Further details have emerged from a Phoenix Police Department case report, revealing that Mauro was on a four-day "bender" involving cocaine and partying with several women at his Arizona home in the days leading up to his death. A dancer present at his home told police that Mauro and a friend snorted cocaine and drank tequila before she and other women went to sleep; she later found Mauro unresponsive and called emergency services.

Why It Matters

The tragic revelation of Josh Mauro's cause of death brings a somber end to the life of a former NFL athlete and underscores the critical dangers associated with illicit drug use, particularly the potent and often lethal combination of substances like fentanyl and cocaine. His passing has drawn considerable attention, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former teammates and the organizations he represented, highlighting the profound impact his death has had on the football community.

Geographic Location

• Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States (location of death and police investigation)