Brian Matusz, Former Orioles Pitcher, Probably Died from Overdose, Police Say: Studies

Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz doubtless died from a drug overdose, in accordance with a Phoenix police report. Matusz, who performed most of his profession with the Baltimore Orioles, was 37.

Matusz died on Jan. 6 at his dwelling. He was found by his mom, Elizabeth Matusz, in accordance with the Phoenix police report obtained by The Baltimore Solar and the Baltimore Banner. Elizabeth reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia on the ground close to his physique and a white substance in his mouth, police mentioned. The title of the substance was redacted, experiences the Solar. There have been no indicators of foul play, police mentioned.

Phoenix police confirmed to PEOPLE that police responded to a name at Matusz’s dwelling round 2:45 p.m. His dying remains to be below investigation and the stays have been recovered by the Workplace of the Medical Examiner. 

The case was sealed on Wednesday, Jan. 8, per a request from Matusz’s household, a Medical Examiner’s Workplace spokesperson informed the Solar. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Workplace didn’t instantly reply to PEOPLE’s request for remark.

In keeping with the police report obtained by the Banner and the Solar, Elizabeth Matusz took her son to an emergency room at 3 a.m. on Jan. 4. He was handled and prescribed treatment and despatched dwelling six hours later. He was advisable to see a psychological well being skilled. The explanation for his hospital go to and the title of the treatment he was prescribed have been each redacted.

Matusz’s mother and father took him to Banner Behavioral Well being Hospital in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Jan. 5, however he was not admitted. He spent that night together with his mother and father earlier than going to his own residence, in accordance with the report.

Elizabeth reportedly informed police her son made statements about how he used to “have all of it” and that “there may be nothing left for me.” She additionally informed police her son had a historical past of drug abuse, though the title of the drug was redacted. He had been clear for about eight months, Elizabeth reportedly informed police. There was no proof of alcohol use in Matusz’s home, in accordance with the report.

Elizabeth went to Matusz’s home on Jan. 6 as a result of she couldn’t attain him by telephone after his telephone was misplaced on the hospital, per the police report, experiences the Solar. She needed to enter his dwelling by a toilet window and located him deceased on a sofa. She known as the police at 2:45 p.m. and the hearth division pronounced him useless. Police mentioned drug paraphernalia was discovered close to Matsuz’s hand.

Matsuz was drafted by the Orioles with the fourth general choose in 2008. He spent most of his profession in Baltimore earlier than he was traded to the Atlanta Braves in Might 2016. He later signed with the Chicago Cubs, the place he began one recreation. He completed his MLB profession within the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system in 2017. In 2019, he performed within the Mexican League and Atlantic League of Skilled Baseball earlier than retiring.

“Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the passing of former Oriole, Brian Matusz,” the Orioles mentioned in a assertion on Jan. 7. “A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved all through Birdland, and his ardour for baseball and our group was unmatched. He devoted his time to connecting with any fan he might, was a cherished teammate, and at all times had a smile on his face. Brian’s household and family members are in our ideas and prayers at this troublesome time.”

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When you or somebody you recognize is scuffling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.