Toxicology reports concluded that Garrett Reid, son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, died of an accidental heroin overdose, Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek announced today. Reid was found unresponsive in his Lehigh University dorm room during training camp in the early hours of August 5.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said at a press conference that Reid was discovered slumped over in a chair with a used syringe and spoon nearby and that the Eagles’ team doctor had pulled him to the floor while attempting to revive him with a defibrillator.
Two empty wax packets that appeared to have contained heroin were found in the room. Investigators also recovered several common prescription drugs and 19 vials of an unknown liquid, which they said will have to undergo testing at a private lab. They do not believe any of those substances contributed to Reid’s passing.
“In terms of cause and manner of the death of Garrett Reid, that investigation is concluded as of today,” Morganelli said. “However, this investigation is not completely over.” Of particular concern to authorities are 47 syringes and 65 needles recovered from Reid’s gym bag. “The origin of these items and other drug paraphernalia are not known,” Morganelli said. “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 that investigators will continue to comb through Reid’s cell phone records and conduct interviews in an attempt to determine where he got the drugs and paraphernalia. He has contacted District Attorney Seth Williams to discuss the possibility of working together in Philadelphia, if that’s where the drugs are found to have originated.
“These results sadly confirmed what we had expected all along,” the Reid family said in a statement issued today. “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.”
