Vontae Davis’ cause of death ‘undetermined’ over a year after NFL star’s passing

Vontae Davis’ cause of death remains undetermined, a year after the ex-NFL star was found dead with drugs in his system and no signs of foul play

More than a year after former NFL cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead at his grandmother’s home in Southwest Ranches, Florida, the cause of his death remains officially “undetermined,” according to a recent autopsy report from the Broward County Medical Examiner. The report cited inconsistencies between the scene and autopsy findings, making it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion.

Davis, 35, was discovered unresponsive on April 1, 2024, in the gym area of the residence. Authorities confirmed that foul play was not suspected. Toxicology tests revealed the presence of multiple substances in his system, including amphetamines, methamphetamines, and cannabinoids. Visible injuries such as cuts, bruises, and burn marks were noted, though these were determined to be postmortem and likely resulted from his collapse.

“Due to the totality of the circumstances, including inconsistencies between the scene and the findings at autopsy, the cause and manner of death in this case is best classified as undetermined,” the autopsy report said, according to ESPN.

Davis had a notable 10-year NFL career, playing for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2014 and 2015 while with the Colts. His career concluded abruptly in 2018 when he retired during halftime of a game with the Bills, citing concerns for his health.

In the years following his retirement, Davis faced personal challenges, including legal issues and a divorce. He was involved in a DUI incident in February 2023, where he crashed his vehicle and was found asleep at the scene. Despite these struggles, Davis had embarked on new ventures, including launching a luxury chauffeur business and working on a documentary about his and his brother’s journey from a challenging upbringing to NFL success.

His brother, Vernon Davis, also a former NFL player, expressed shock over Vontae’s sudden passing. Vernon recounted that he had visited Vontae two weeks prior to his death and observed that he appeared to be in good health, engaging in regular wellness routines. Vernon mentioned that Vontae had been diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder in his youth but had not shown signs of drug use. He is awaiting further information from investigators to understand the circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

Vontae Davis was selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Vontae’s ex-wife, Megan Harpe, suggested that he may have been suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head injuries common in contact sports like football. However, no posthumous examination was conducted to confirm this diagnosis.

The football community mourned Davis’s passing, with former teammates and coaches remembering him as a vibrant and dedicated player. Colts owner Jim Irsay and former teammate Pat McAfee were among those who paid tribute, highlighting Davis’s positive energy and impact on and off the field.

As the investigation continues, Davis’s family and friends await clarity on the factors that led to his untimely death.