Sam Bruce Cause of Death Heartbreaking: Did He Die of Health Issue or Overdose?

Sam Bruce's cause of death has been disclosed following his untimely death earlier this year.

The Broward County Medical Examiner's office released an official report confirming what led to Bruce's passing. The athlete reportedly suffered a medical episode while driving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on April 28.

The document, obtained by a news outlet, divulged that Sam Bruce's cause of death was coronary artery disease. Meanwhile, the manner of his death was listed as natural.

In addition to the heart disease, it was noted that he might have suffered a seizure that led to the crash on Northwest 22nd Road.

The Boston University School of Medicine studied similar incidents already, showing in its research that older people who crashed while driving an automobile had been hospitalized for heart failure or stroke. But in Bruce's case, the athlete was only 24 years old when the tragic event happened to him.

A spokesperson for the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department disclosed at the time of the accident that medics performed CPR on him upon arriving at the scene. He was then transported to a nearby hospital where he later died.

"At this time the circumstances surrounding this incident are not suspicious, and foul play is not suspected," the FLPD spokesperson said.

After the confirmation of his cause of death, internet users expressed their disbelief as they could not process how a healthy, young athlete suddenly died.

Still, it is worth noting that it was not the first time a young athlete passed away due to a health issue. It also remains unknown if the former Miami WR had the disease for a long time.

Sam Bruce's Journey Revisited

Before his death, Bruce was renowned as one of the country's top wide receiver prospects. He notably played for St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale and became a four-star prospect.

"We are saddened to hear about the loss of one of the greatest players to ever come through SFE. Your infectious energy, and the ability to make anybody laugh will forever live in our hearts. We spoke with Sams family, they just ask you to pray for their family during this time," South Florida Express, his high school team, wrote on Twitter after his death.

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According to 247Sports' composite rankings, he also ranked as the No. 11 wide receiver, No. 13 player from the state of Florida, and No. 84 overall prospect for the 2016 national recruiting cycle.

Although he signed with Miami, he was dismissed immediately before appearing in a game. Bruce, however, had games with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and Southeastern University.

He also joined the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League.

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