Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died at the age of 26 after being found unresponsive Tuesday night.
According to Baltimore police, there were no signs of trauma and no foul play is suspected at this time. Cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner’s office. An overdose has not been ruled out.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the Ravens said in a statement. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon.”
Police responded to a call around 11:25 p.m. Tuesday night in Baltimore, where they found Ferguson unresponsive and being treated by medics, ESPN reported, citing police. The athlete never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene.
The NFL was among those paying tribute to Ferguson online, tweeting, “We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Jaylon Ferguson. The NFL family sends our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
Ferguson is survived by his fiancée Doni Smith and their three children.
His agent Safarrah Lawson said in a statement shared with ESPN, “He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family asks for your continued prayers.”
Ferguson, a 2019 draft pick for the Ravens, recorded 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks over the past three seasons. The former Louisiana Tech Bulldog, whose number was 45, was known as “Sack Daddy” for his record-setting 45 sacks in his college career.
“The LA Tech Family mourns this morning’s tragic news of the sudden death of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson,” the Louisiana Tech football team tweeted. “We will remember his God-given talents on the field and his infectious personality off of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP, 45.”