The medical examiner’s report released on Friday reveals that former NFL player Mike Williams succumbed to a rare form of sepsis connected to dental health issues.
Williams, aged 36, passed away on September 12, following hospitalization after a construction accident during his work as an electrician.
Having played four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams, a wide receiver drafted from Syracuse in 2010, showcased his skills, particularly during his rookie season when he led the team with 11 touchdowns and accumulated 964 receiving yards.
His NFL career also included stints with the Buffalo Bills, and he was part of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ roster before retiring in 2016.
The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s report attributes Williams’ death to bacterial sepsis originating from a dental infection and “retained tooth roots.”
The report is preliminary, and a comprehensive autopsy, including toxicology and additional details, will be released later, as officials mentioned on Friday.
The initial report identifies cardiovascular disease as a contributing factor to his death, which is categorized as natural.
Notably, this marks the first instance in Hillsborough County where a death has been linked to this specific type of dental sepsis, according to the medical examiner’s office.