Former Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was found dead on Thursday (Dec. 9), police said. According to Roswell, Georgia police; Thomas was found dead at his home on Thursday night and may have passed away due to a medical issue. He was 33 years old.
LaTonya Bonseigneur, Thomas’ first cousin who he grew up with, told the Associated Press that he may have died from a seizure.
“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering,” she said Friday (Dec. 10). “We’re not sure when he died. We just spoke with him yesterday.”
Thomas’ former teammates also said on Thursday that the Georgia native may have been suffering from seizures in recent months. On Friday morning, the Broncos released a statement about the tragic loss.
“We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing of Demaryius Thomas,” it read. “D.T. was beloved by our entire organization, his teammates and coaches, and our fans. Recently retiring as a Bronco, we were very much looking forward to celebrating Demaryius for years to come as one of the greatest players in franchise history.”
The team acknowledge Thomas’ “record-setting” career and noted his generosity off the football field.
“D.T. loved giving back – especially spending time with children — and impacted countless lives through the Broncos Boys and Girls Club, hospital visits, his annual football camp and many other genuine interactions,” the statement read. “Demaryius’ humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him.”
Peyton Manning, who played with Thomas for four seasons, also released a statement about his passing on Friday.
“DT was a better person than he was a player, and he was a Hall of Fame player. That tells you how good of a person he was,” Manning wrote. “He treated my kids like they were his own. He was there for every teammate’s charity event… Absolutely devastated.”
Thomas, who would have turned 34 this Christmas, had just retired from the NFL this June. The Broncos honored him during a game against the New York Jets in late September. Thomas was the first of two first-round picks for the Denver team in the 2010 NFL draft and played with the franchise for nine seasons. He was the Broncos’ second-leading receiver of all time, following Rod Smith; and third in team history for catches, behind Smith and Shannon Sharpe.
See statements and other tributes to Thomas on Twitter below. Rest in Peace.