Retired NFL legend, Ray Lewis, is mourning the loss of his eldest son, Ray Lewis III, who died on June 15 (Thursday) – he was just 28 years old at the time of his death. A cause of death wasn’t revealed at the time, but TMZ Sports has since obtained a police report that says he died of an accidental overdose.
Police were responding to a 911 call after Lewis’ friends found him naked, unresponsive, and not breathing on the floor of his bedroom. When police arrived, one of his friends was performing CPR and the other was yelling for ‘Narcan’ – an opioid antagonist that helps treat an emergency narcotic overdose.
First responders attempted to administer Narcan into Lewis’ right nostril, but it was too late. An initial search of Lewis’ room turned up a blue pill – which police have identified as Alprazolam (a drug commonly found in Xanax). They also found a used needle and a plastic bag in an empty beer can.
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Ray Lewis III is one of six children of Hall of Fame NFL linebacker, Ray Lewis, who spent his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Super Bowl XXXV MVP, and two-time Defensive Player known for his intense playing style.
His son’s death was confirmed by another one of Lewis’ sons, Rahsaan, who took to his Instagram Story to pay tribute to his older brother. “Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother,” he wrote alongside a photo of his brother. They had a close relationship and Rahsaan is heartbroken over the loss.
“A true angel I pray [you’re] at peace now because [I know] how much you was [really] hurtin’. I don’t and won’t ever have the words man [because] this pain right here,” Rahsaan continued. “I love you I love you I love you. Your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over – just watch over us all.”
Ray Lewis III is survived by his five siblings – brothers Rayshad Lewis, Ralin Lewis, Rahsaan Lewis, and sisters Diaymon Lewis and Kaitlin Lewis. He shares the same mother as both Rayshad and Rahsaan – who has a close co-parenting relationship with Ray Lewis and plays an important role in the family.
Ray Lewis III Played 5 Years of College Football
Ray Lewis III was a high school running back who transitioned to cornerback in college as he attempted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He started his career at Miami University, the same school his father made a name for himself, but only lasted two seasons and didn’t see any action before transferring.
He transferred to Coastal Carolina University, where he spent his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2015 (sophomore season), he played in 12 games as a cornerback and kick return specialist. He recorded 161 yards off 12 kick returns and had 19 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 passes defensed, and 1 forced fumble.
Ray Lewis III decided to transfer yet again following the 2016 season, which saw him accused of criminal sexual assault. He spent his final year of eligibility at Virginia Union, where he played in nine games and recorded 37 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 12 passes defensed – including a productive 11-tackle game.
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Mark James, who was Ray Lewis III’s head coach at Virginia Union, remembered him as a ‘great kid’ who ‘played hard’ – he wanted to earn his playing time like everyone else. “I think by the time we got him, he was ready for the business of going to school and finishing and playing football and being an impact [player],” James said.
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