Four months after former Wisconsin Badgers football player Jack Pugh died unexpectedly at 24, officials have confirmed his official cause of death.
A report from the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, obtained Tuesday via People, found that Pugh died from acute bronchopneumonia, a serious lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus that can trigger intense inflammation in the airways.
Coroner’s officials said the infection developed as a consequence of cardiomyopathy, an underlying heart condition. The report also noted that Pugh had hepatosplenomegaly, meaning an enlarged liver and spleen, when he died on March 30.
The University of Wisconsin announced Pugh’s death on March 31, a loss that stunned the Badgers program and reverberated across the college football world.
Pugh, a tight end from Hilliard, Ohio, was part of the Wisconsin football team from 2021 to 2023. He earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition before leaving the program to prioritize his mental health.
‘The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh,’ the university said in a statement following his death.
Former Wisconsin Badgers football player Jack Pugh’s official cause of death has been released four months after he died suddenly at 24
Pugh, seen with his mother and father, died March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia, a bacterial or viral lung infection
Pugh publicly announced his retirement from football back in December 2023
‘Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff.
‘Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.’
Pugh publicly announced his retirement from football in December 2023, posting a candid message on social media reflecting on his struggles with depression and substance abuse.
‘My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up,’ Pugh wrote in his announcement.
‘Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness.’
He added: ‘In no way was football the root of these problems, but everything in my life had distracted me for so long to the point I didn’t want to be alive for years.
‘I never had prioritized my mental health all along, digging a deeper darker hole.’
Pugh concluded his retirement statement by thanking his coaches, teammates, and family for helping him ‘find a life I’m happy and proud of.’
He had been honest about his mental health struggles when announcing he was quitting
Wisconsin Football announced the tragic news on X with a statement on Tuesday night
As a young athlete, Pugh had forged a reputation as a promising basketball player in high school before eventually opting to play football.
‘I just kind of got worn out and tired of basketball,’ he told The Athletic in 2021. ‘That was my life and I realized that I needed to find something that I’d enjoy more.
‘Football had always been on my mind. I went out there looking to have a good time. I ended up having a great time and falling in love with it.’
He only made one appearance for the Badgers before stepping away from football.
Following the news of his death earlier this year, former Wisconsin teammate and New York Jets running back Braelon Allen paid tribute on social media, writing: ‘Protect your mental.’
Meanwhile, fans also poured onto social media to share touching tributes.
Taking to X, one fan wrote: ‘So sad to see this, especially at such a young age. My heartfelt condolences go out to Jack’s family and friends.’
Another wrote: ‘This is so sad. Thoughts go out to his family and teammates’.
‘RIP Jack Pugh! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends,’ another fan wrote. ‘Mental illness is everywhere keep an eye on your love ones and friends who might be struggling. Don’t ignore the symptoms like most people do! People tend to close their eyes and hope it will correct itself. If you’re struggling talk to someone who will help you!’
If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.
