The sports world was shocked by the unexpected death of former NBA guard Darius Morris at the age of 33 in May 2024. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has ruled his death as accidental, but further details reveal a more complicated picture involving coronary artery disease and substance use.

Medical Findings and Cause of Death

According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the primary cause of Morris' death was coronary artery disease. However, contributing factors such as drug and alcohol use complicated his health. The medical examiner's report detailed that Morris had substances like cocaine, hydrocodone, and ethanol in his system at the time of his passing. These substances played a significant role in a tragic turn of events that culminated in an accidental death (Fox).

High School and College Stardom

Darius Morris had an illustrious high school career at Windward School in Los Angeles, which set the stage for his success at the collegiate level. At the University of Michigan, Morris quickly became a force on the basketball court. He starred for two seasons and set the school's single-season record with 235 assists as a sophomore, leading the team with an average of 15 points per game in the 2010-11 season (New York Post, Fox).

NBA Career

Morris entered the 2011 NBA Draft and was selected in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he played for multiple teams, including the Brooklyn Nets during the 2014-15 season. Although his NBA journey was filled with challenges, Morris had memorable moments, such as a standout 24-point performance in the 2013 playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs (New York Post, Fox).

In total, Morris appeared in 132 NBA games, starting 17 of them, before moving on to other opportunities. His career extended to the NBA G League, where he played through the 2018-19 season. His last professional stint was with a team in France during the 2019-20 season (New York Post).

Acknowledgment and Family Statement

The news of Morris' passing was met with an outpouring of grief and condolences. The Los Angeles Lakers acknowledged his death with a post on social media, paying tribute to his contributions to the team and the sport. In the wake of this tragedy, Morris' family has requested privacy, asking for grace during their period of mourning (Fox).

Closing Thoughts

Darius Morris' story is a poignant reminder of the pressures and pitfalls that can accompany a life in professional sports. While his talent on the court was undeniable, his untimely death serves as a sobering reflection on the importance of health and well-being. As the basketball community remembers his achievements, it also grapples with the profound loss of a player whose potential was tragically cut short.