Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid's Son Garrett Found Dead
Son of Philadelphia Eagles Coach Andy Reid Found Dead in Dorm Room in PA.
Aug. 5, 2012— -- The son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid was found dead this morning in a dorm room at Lehigh University, where he was assisting the Eagles during training camp, a spokesman for the team announced.
Garrett Reid, 29, was reported unresponsive early this morning and declared dead when police arrived around 7:30 a.m., according to police.
"I have some heartbreaking news to share with you all," general manager Howie Roseman said this morning. "It is with great sadness that I tell you that Garrett Reid, the oldest son of coach Reid, was found dead this morning in his room here in training camp."
Reid, who had spent time in jail and faced drug problems in past years, had more recently begun helping out the coaching staff on the team.
Lehigh police chief Ed Shupp said that authorities received a 911 call at 7:20 a.m. today about an "unresponsive male," at the Sayre Park dormitories. Reid was already dead when the first police officer arrived.
Police ruled out "suspicious activities," but said they would turn the investigation over to the local coroner, Shipp said.
The cause of death was not yet known.
In 2007, Garrett Reid and his younger brother, Britt, were arrested after two separate traffic accidents in which drugs were alleged to be involved. Garrett spent periods in prison in 2009.
During the sentencing, Garrett Reid said he began using drugs at age 18 and by age 20 was in rehab for using prescription painkillers and heroin.
"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 said in court.
Andy Reid is taking time away from the team to deal with the death, Roseman said.
"From a football perspective, I can tell you that Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp," Roseman said. "On a personal note, we've been with Andy for a long time. He's always been strong for us, we're going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we're all hurting. Thank you."
Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie also released a statement about the death, saying that the news was "heartbreaking for everyone in the Eagles family."
"Our hearts go out to Andy, his wife, Tammy, and their children," Lurie said.
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