It was revealed that Ray Lewis III, the son of NFL legend Ray Lewis, tragically passed away on Wednesday at the age of 28 due to a suspected overdose.
The devastating news was initially shared by Lewis’ younger brother, Rahsaan Lewis, in an emotional Instagram story.
Authorities from the Casselberry Police Department revealed that officers were dispatched to a residence in Central Florida after receiving a distress call. Upon arrival, they discovered Ray Lewis III unconscious in a bedroom.
Despite attempts by a person in the home to administer CPR, Lewis remained unresponsive.
In a statement, the police department expressed their belief that the incident was a tragic accident, supported by both the available evidence and witness accounts. An officer present at the scene was informed by another individual that Lewis required naloxone, an opioid-overdose antidote.
The officer promptly administered Narcan, but unfortunately, the life-saving measures proved unsuccessful.
Lewis was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a suspected overdose. An official autopsy report is expected to provide further details in due course.
Lewis III had a promising football career, following in the footsteps of his legendary father. He began playing cornerback at the University of Miami, his father’s alma mater, for two seasons before transferring to Coastal Carolina in 2015.
Ultimately, he concluded his collegiate career at Virginia Union.
Mark James, Lewis’ former coach at Virginia Union, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his former player. He described Lewis as a “great kid” and commended his dedication and work ethic on and off the field.
James spoke with The Associated Press, sharing his fond memories of Lewis and the impact he made as a player.
Reflecting on Lewis’ character, James emphasized his humility and down-to-earth nature despite being the son of an NFL icon and Pro Football Hall of Famer. He praised Lewis for his commitment to his studies and his contributions to the team.
Lewis III’s football career included 12 games as a cornerback at Coastal Carolina, where he recorded 19 tackles. He went on to contribute significantly to Virginia Union in 2017, accumulating 37 tackles during his time there.
As family, friends, and the football community mourn the loss of Lewis III, the circumstances surrounding his passing serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by substance abuse and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their loved ones.