Former NBA Star Darius Morris' Cause of Death Revealed a Month After He Died at Age 33

The former Los Angeles Lakers point guard died on May 2

Published on June 15, 2024 02:30PM EDT

Darius Morris #9 of the New Orlean Pelicans poses for a head shot during the 2018 NBA Media Day on September 24, 2018 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. — Darius Morris in 2018. Photo:
Andrew Boyd/NBAE via Getty

Darius Morris' cause of death has been revealed.

The former Los Angeles Lakers point guard died on May 2. His cause of death was coronary heart disease, with drug and alcohol use playing a role, according to a report from the Los Angeles County medical examiner obtained by PEOPLE.

Ethanol, cocaine and hydrocodone were listed as "contributing conditions" to Morris' death on the medical examiner's report. His death was classified as accidental.

The Athletic's Shams Charania was the first to report Morris' death in May. Per TMZ Sports, before his body was found, Morris was last known to be alive on April 22 when he was feeling ill and experiencing flu-like symptoms.

After his death, his family released a statement to TMZ asking for privacy.

Darius Morris #34 of the San Antonio Spurs is seen during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 1, 2019 — Darius Morris playing for the San Antonio Spurs in July 2019.
Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty

"With great sadness we announce the passing of our dearly beloved son, Darius Aaron Morris," the statement read. "During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."

The Los Angeles-area native was drafted into the NBA in 2011 by the Lakers as a second-round pick and played for the team for two seasons alongside the late Kobe Bryant.

During his four-year professional basketball career, Morris also played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies before ending his career in 2015 with the Brooklyn Nets.

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Prior to joining the NBA, Morris played basketball at the collegiate level for the University of Michigan's Wolverines.

Darius Morris #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers advances the ball against the San Antonio Spurs — Darius Morris plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2013.
Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty

He made history when he became one of only five players at the university to make more than 200 assists in a single season.

"The Michigan Basketball Community mourns the passing of Darius Morris 💛💙," the team wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) last month, sharing a photo of the athlete smiling as he walked down the court wearing his No. 4 jersey.

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