Mike Williams, a former player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, potentially passed away due to problems related to dental health.
The report from the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner in Tampa, Florida, stated that Mike Williams, a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, passed away due to various health-related causes but didn’t specifically attribute his head injury as the primary reason for his death.
Williams, who tragically died on September 12, sustained a head injury two weeks earlier while working at a construction site. While it’s uncertain how much the workplace injury contributed, the report suggests that his overall health, including oral health issues like dental problems, might have significantly impacted his demise.
The cause of death cited multiple factors, such as bacterial sepsis, cerebral abscesses, necrotizing pneumonia due to dental cavities or infections, and retained tooth roots. According to a dentist, Dr. Rajiv Kalra, Williams possibly required tooth extractions that weren’t performed. The report indicated severe cavities and infected tooth roots, which might have led to bloodstream infections and complications.
Heart disease was also noted as a contributing factor. Williams was hospitalized a day after the head injury, showing signs of brain swelling and infections. The medical examiner speculated that these infections possibly originated from his mouth and spread through his bloodstream.
The report didn’t specify the exact impact of the injury on Williams’ death. It did mention his daily use of kratom, a history of marijuana use, and an ongoing investigation by the Tampa Police Department regarding prescription drugs he had taken before experiencing cardiac arrest. Williams possessed a medical marijuana license.
His initial injury occurred while working at an electrical company in Tampa. During his football career from 2010 to 2014, he played for the Buccaneers and the Bills, amassing 26 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. Despite being a runner-up for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2010, Williams’ family members declined to comment on the medical examiner’s findings when approached by FOX 13.
