Former New York Giants defensive lineman Josh Mauro died “after reportedly binge using cocaine and drinking at home,” according to a Maricopa County Medical Examiner report that was released to The California Post on Thursday.
The document stated Mauro “had a history of cocaine and alcohol abuse” before he was found unresponsive at his Arizona residence in late April.
Mauro also had traces of “fentanyl, cocaine, ethanol, and their metabolites as well as cannabinoids and caffeine” in his system following his passing, the report stated.
“In my medical opinion,” medical examiner Amanda E. Maskovyak wrote in the document, “the cause of death is acute combined fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol intoxication. The manner of death is accident.”
The medical examiner added in the report that Mauro also had a cerebral edema (more commonly known as brain swelling) as well as an abnormal buildup of fluid in his lungs.
Phoenix Police Department officers found Mauro at his home at 12:20 p.m. on April 23 and pronounced him deceased on the scene. They noted at the time there were “no obvious signs of foul play.”
Mauro’s father, Greg Mauro, wrote a touching tribute to him in the days following his death.
Raiders star Maxx Crosby, who played one season in Oakland with Mauro, also paid homage to the former defensive end in a heartbreaking video message.
“My guy Josh Mauro just passed away recently,” Crosby said. “Damn, bro, I really don’t have words. I love you, bro, and I wish I could’ve done more for you. I wish I could’ve been there for you. It’s just tough man.”
Mauro played in the NFL from 2014 to 2021, logging snaps for the Giants, Cardinals and Raiders. He played in a total of 80 games and recorded 130 combined tackles and five sacks.
He was 35 years old.
