Ray Lewis III died of an accidental overdose, according to police

The cause of death has been revealed for Ray Lewis III, son of NFL legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Police said he died of an accidental overdose, according to TMZ.

Lewis III was found unresponsive and a friend was administering CPR when police arrived on the scene, TMZ reported. They administered Narcan, but he was still unresponsive. When they searched the room, officers said they found a blue pill, which was unofficially identified as Alprazolam, as well as a needle and a small plastic bag inside an empty beer can.

The medical examiner will make the final decision on the official cause of death, according to police.

Lewis III passed away Wednesday at the age of 28, his brother Rahsaan posted on Instagram. Rahsaan Lewis paid tribute to his brother in his post, as well.

“Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother,” Rahsaan wrote. “A true angel I pray [you’re] at peace now because ik how much you was rlly hurtin. I don’t and won’t ever have the words man cuz this pain right here…I love you I love you I love you. Your niece gone miss you and she will hear about u over and over. Just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian. I promise I’ll make you smile and proud.”

More on Ray Lewis III’s career

Lewis III started his college football career at Miami before transferring to Coastal Carolina. However, he was dismissed from the CCU program in 2016 after facing third degree criminal sexual assault charges. The charges were later dropped, according to the Orlando Sentinel, and he finished out his career at Virginia Union in 2017.

Virginia Union’s associate head coach, Diego Ryland, spoke with TMZ about the news of Lewis III’s death and called it “very unfortunate” news

“Great young man and a better teammate,” Ryland said. “The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray.”

Lewis III played high school football at Lake Mary Prep (FL), where he totaled 1,898 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns. He then arrived at Miami as a three-star prospect and was the No. 1,032 overall recruit in the country from the 2013 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

After his college football career, Lewis III played indoor football with the Wyoming Mustangs in 2021. He was also pursuing a career in music at the time of his death.