Medical Examiner Reveals Cause Of Death For Former Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles Star

Nearly six months after the death of former Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles standout receiver Charles Johnson, the state medical examiner’s office released its findings in the case.

 

And the details are heartbreaking.

 

According to the report, the 50-year-old took his own life by overdosing on drugs. According to reports, the medical examiner determined that Johnson had no medical history and did not have any prescriptions but had “acute oxycodone, hydrocodone and mirtazapine toxicity” following his death.

 

The report also said that Johnson “had been acting strange” in the week leading up to his death and “had recently purchased a funeral and cremation service.”

Johnson was reported missing by his wife the day before he was found dead in a Hampton Inn about 6.5 miles from his home in Raleigh, North Carolina back on July 17, USA Today reported. In Monday’s report, the medical examiner said police found Johnson in the room, unresponsive on the bed. The report said that Johnson rented the room on July 15, returned home and left his wallet, cell phone, keys and vehicle, before returning to the room.

USA Today reported in September that Johnson “claimed to have suffered from brain, head, spine and neck injuries,” suffered during his NFL career.

He was working in North Carolina as an assistant athletic director at Heritage High School.

A standout wide receiver at the University of Colorado, Johnson was taken in the first round of the 1994 draft, 17th-overall, by the Steelers. He played five seasons for Pittsburgh with his best campaign coming in 1996 when he caught 60 passes for 1,008 yards and three touchdowns. He caught 65 passes for 815 yards and seven more scores in 1998. Johnson moved on to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999 and played two seasons there catching 90 passes for 1,056 yards combined.

He then went on to the New England Patriots in 2001, winning a Super Bowl with the team, before closing out his career in 2002 with the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson finished his career with 354 receptions for 4,606 yards and 24 touchdowns across 133 games.