Jack Pugh's cause of death revealed

Officials have released the cause of death for Jack Pugh, a former University of Wisconsin football player who died unexpectedly at age 24. According to a report from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, Pugh died from acute bronchopneumonia, a serious lung infection. The report noted that the infection developed as a consequence of cardiomyopathy, an underlying heart condition. Additionally, the coroner found that Pugh had hepatosplenomegaly, an enlarged liver and spleen, at the time of his death on March 30.

Pugh was a tight end for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2021 to 2023. He had publicly announced his retirement from football in December 2023, citing a need to prioritize his mental health following struggles with depression and substance abuse. The University of Wisconsin released a statement expressing deep sadness, describing Pugh as a “positive light” who was “loved by his teammates and staff.”