The cause of death for former college football player Jack Pugh has been confirmed, nearly five months after his passing.
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According to the Franklin County Coroner's Office, Pugh died from acute bronchopneumonia, an infection that causes inflammation within the lungs and airways.
The coroner determined that the infection developed as a result of cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart muscle.
Pugh was also found to have hepatosplenomegaly, which causes enlargement of the liver and spleen.
Pugh died on March 30, with the coroner's report released on Tuesday, August 18.
Football Player Cause of Death Confirmed Months Later
Pugh represented the Wisconsin Badgers between 2021 and 2023 before stepping away from football to focus on his mental health.
When announcing his retirement, Pugh explained that he wanted to "finally find happiness".
"My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up," he wrote at the time. "Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness."
Pugh made clear that football was not "the root of these problems," but acknowledged that he had struggled with depression for years while failing to prioritize his mental wellbeing.
He described the situation as "digging a deeper darker hole".
Wisconsin Paid Tribute to Jack Pugh
The University of Wisconsin confirmed Pugh's death on Tuesday, March 31.
"The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh," the school said in a statement.
"Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff."
Although Pugh retired from football, he continued his education and earned a degree from UW-Madison in 2025.
"[He] will forever be remembered and loved," the statement concluded.
Pugh joined the Badgers as part of their 2021 recruiting class after emerging as a highly-rated four-star prospect in high school.
He initially played basketball during his first two years at Hilliard Bradley High School near Columbus, Ohio. He then joined the football team as a junior.
Pugh quickly attracted attention for his ability on the field, eventually receiving around two dozen college offers.
His options reportedly included Michigan, Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland and Minnesota before he ultimately committed to Wisconsin.
