BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- Andy Reid released a statement Monday evening confirming that the death Sunday of his 29-year-old son Garrett was drug-related.
Garrett Reid, who had appeared to overcome well-documented drug abuse from 2002 through 2007, died Sunday morning in his dorm room at Lehigh University, where he had been helping out the Eagles? strength and conditioning staff.
Although Garrett Reid had appeared to get beyond his addiction and several players who were close to him said Monday they would be shocked if Reid were again using illegal drugs, Andy Reid?s statement makes it clear that his son?s death was indeed caused by drug use.
This is the portion of the 250-word statement in which Reid acknowledges that Reid had lost his battle with drug addiction:
?Garrett?s road through life was not always an easy one. He faced tremendous personal challenges with bravery and spirit. As a family, we stood by him and were inspired as he worked to overcome those challenges. Even though he lost the battle that has been ongoing for the last eight years, we will always remember him as a fighter who had a huge, loving heart.?
Two people close to Andy Reid confirmed Monday evening that Reid?s statement was indeed an acknowledgement that Reid?s death was drug related.
Lehigh police chief Edward Shupp told reporters at Lehigh on Sunday that Reid?s death was not suspicious. It was not known if any drug paraphernalia was found at the scene.
Garrett Reid was pronounced dead by Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek Sunday morning, soon after Lehigh police received a 911 call in regard to an unresponsive male in Building C of the Sayre Park dormitory complex.
Earlier Monday, the Lehigh University police department issued a joint statement along with the Northampton County district attorney?s office and the Northampton County Coroner?s office indicating that the investigation was ongoing.
But apparently, the cause of death was already known to Reid and other family members and team officials.
Garrett Reid pleaded guilty to drug- and traffic-related offenses in July of 2007 and while in prison on those charges, he pleaded guilty to smuggling 89 prescription pills into the prison.
Most current Eagles players and coaches, numerous former players and coaches and other players and coaches from around the NFL are expected to attend Garrett Reid?s funeral in Broomall, Pa., at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Here is the full text of the Reid family?s statement:
?On behalf of Tammy and our family, I would like to thank everybody for their tremendous support, love, kind words and prayers during this time of great sadness. Words cannot express our sense of loss.
?We loved Garrett so much. He was a wonderful son and brother. He made us laugh, he was a pleasure to be around, he always had a smile on his face, and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget him, and we will remember him with love.
?Garrett?s road through life was not always an easy one. He faced tremendous personal challenges with bravery and spirit. As a family, we stood by him and were inspired as he worked to overcome those challenges. Even though he lost the battle that has been ongoing for the last eight years, we will always remember him as a fighter who had a huge, loving heart.
?I spoke with the team yesterday and thanked them for their thoughts and prayers. I asked them to continue with their preparations for the upcoming season until I am ready to rejoin the team.
?It is in times like these that we lean on our faith, our family, our friends, and our Eagles family. We will do so in the difficult times ahead.
?Thank you again for your continued support.
?Andy Reid.?
E-mail Reuben Frank at rfrank@comcastsportsnet.com
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