Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receiver Mike Williams Dies from Bacterial Sepsis
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Syracuse star wide receiver Mike Williams passed away from rare bacterial sepsis after a work-related construction accident.
Details of Williams' Death
According to the Hillsborough County (Florida) Medical Examiner's Office, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Syracuse star wide receiver Mike Williams died as a result of a rare bacterial sepsis. The cause of death was determined to be bacterial sepsis with cerebral abscesses and necrotizing lobar pneumonia due to multiple dental caries and retained dental roots. The condition, although rare, is associated with poor dental health.
The medical examiner's office stated that Williams was removed from life support and passed away on September 12 at the age of 36. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease was also listed as a contributing factor in his death. Full autopsy and toxicology results are still pending.
The initial case summary report mentioned that Williams had a history of using marijuana, social alcohol use, and daily consumption of Kratom, an herbal supplement. However, there was no evidence of foul play, and it was determined that Williams died of natural causes.
Work-Related Accident and Health Complications
Williams had retired from the NFL after playing for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. At the time of his passing, he was working for contractor Exodus Electric Corp. in Tampa. He sustained head trauma when heavy supplies fell on him at a job site.
The following day, Williams was taken to the hospital, and he was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with acute hypoxic respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and sepsis due to multiple brain abscesses. After suffering cardiac arrest on September 1, he was intubated and sedated. Williams was transferred to hospice care on September 7 and passed away five days later.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Williams was a fourth-round draft pick from Syracuse University in 2010. He played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2010 to 2013, setting a franchise record with 11 touchdowns in his rookie season. In 2014, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills, his hometown team. Williams briefly retired from the NFL in 2015 before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016.
The loss of Mike Williams is a tragic event in the football community. He will be remembered for his contributions to the game and his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an explosive wide receiver.
