Garrett Reid, the eldest son of Eagles coach Andy Reid, died of an accidental heroin overdose, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek announced Thursday.
The official cause of death was acute opiate (heroin) toxicity, Lysek said.
Reid, 29, was found dead Aug. 5 in a private bedroom within a Lehigh University dorm. He was staying there for Eagles training camp and working with the team’s strength and conditioning coaches.
Reid last spoke with some people inside the dorms in the very early morning hours of the day he died
"At that time...Mr. Reid appeared to be fine and there did not appear to be anything unusual about his demeanor," District Attorney John Morganelli said at Thursday's press conference.
He was found slumped over in a chair in the room the next morning and the team doctor attempted to use a defibrillator on Reid after placing him on the floor, Morganelli said.
It didn't work, and Reid was pronounced dead at the scene.
Morganelli says an investigation showed that Reid injected himself with heroin in his room. In his gym bag investigators found 47 syringes and 64 needles -- many unopened. Multiple common prescription pills, other drug paraphernalia and 19 vials of an unknown liquid substance unrelated to the death were also found in Reid's room.
Investigators also found two wax paper packets they say are consistent with having contained heroin. They also found a used syringe and spoon with a substance on it.
"The investigation from this point forward is focused on trying to determine the identity of any individuals who may have facilitated Mr. Reid by delivering illegal drugs and/or drug paraphernalia to him either here in Northampton County or in Philadelphia," Morganelli said.
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The investigation, including searching phone records and a cell phone, into how Reid got the drugs is ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Lysek said he contacted the Reid family at an earlier time of his findings.
The revelation that Reid died of a drug overdose wasn’t unexpected after his father said in a statement released following his son's death that Garrett “lost the battle” of drugs. Reid fought drugs for more than eight years, according to his father.
Reid’s drug problems came to light after a car crash where he admitted being high on heroin. While pleading guilty he said, "I don't want to die doing drugs. I don't want to be that kid who was the son of the head coach of the Eagles, who was spoiled and on drugs and OD'd and just faded into oblivion."
He also had a history of other drug problems including drug-dealing allegations and failed drug tests.
After Thursday's findings, the Reid family released a statement showing support for others battling addiction:
"These results sadly confirmed what we had expected all along. We understood that Garrett’s long-standing battle with addiction was going to be difficult. He will, however, always have our family’s love and respect for the courage he showed in trying to overcome it. In the end, we take comfort in our faith and know that he’s in a better place. We miss Garrett. We miss his smile, his laugh, and his energy and we will forever love him.
"There are many other individuals and families engaged in this struggle in their own lives, and they will always have our support, encouragement, and understanding. Never give up!"
