Former NFL star Josh Mauro’s official cause of death has been revealed.
According to records from the Maricopa County Medical Examiner viewed by Us Weekly on Friday, May 15, Mauro died due to “acute combined fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol intoxication.” The athlete’s death was ruled an accident.
TMZ was first to report the news.
Mauro’s family confirmed his death last month. He was 35.
“With many tears and broken hearts, yet anchored in the unshakable certainty that our precious Josh Mauro is now healed and made new — living in the presence of the Lord — we humbly covet your prayers as our family walks through the devastating loss of our amazing son, brother, uncle, grandson and friend,” the football player’s family wrote in an April Facebook statement. “On Thursday, April 23rd, Josh breathed his last breath on this earth and his first breath in heaven.”
The family continued, “The Lord has been our strength in this unimaginable moment. Your prayers for continued strength and comfort mean more to us than words could ever express.”
Mauro’s mother, Jeri, later expressed her gratitude for her loved ones in the wake of her son’s death.
“We are drawing our strength from the LORD,” Jeri wrote via Facebook in April. “Thankful for our family and friends.”
Mauro played eight seasons in the NFL for five different teams. After not getting selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Stanford alum signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, he was released from the team during its final roster cuts. Mauro ended up signing with the Arizona Cardinals for his rookie season.
The defensive end played for the Cardinals until his 2018 release. Mauro went on to have stints with the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, formerly of Oakland, and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In 2020, Mauro returned to the Cardinals, where he played the remainder of his career. The athlete’s final season was in 2021.
The Cardinals also paid tribute to Mauro following his death.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Josh Mauro,” the team said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving this loss.”
Several of Mauro’s former teammates also sent their condolences.
“Prayers go out to Josh Mauro and his family. Had the opportunity to be around Josh for several years with BA,” Adrian Wilson wrote via X. “Always in shape, always was ready to go wherever he got that call. One of the things I respected most about him. You could depend on him.”
Maxx Crosby also shared, “I’m sick to my stomach, to be honest. Josh, I love you, bro. I know you had my back since day one.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
