The official cause of death for former Wisconsin Badgers football player Jack Pugh has been revealed four months after his passing at the age of 24. According to a report from the Franklin County Coroner's Office, Pugh died of acute bronchopneumonia, an inflammation of the airways caused by a bacterial or viral lung infection.
Officials stated that the infection was a consequence of cardiomyopathy, an underlying heart condition. Pugh also had hepatosplenomegaly, an enlarged liver and spleen, at the time of his death on March 30. The University of Wisconsin confirmed his passing on March 31, which deeply affected the college football community.
Pugh, a tight end from Hilliard, Ohio, played for the Badgers from 2021 to 2023. He earned Academic All-Big Ten honors before stepping away from the team 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. "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."
In December 2023, Pugh publicly announced his medical retirement from football, sharing a candid message on social media about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. He stated that his decision to leave the sport was driven by his mental health, not just physical ailments.
"My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up," Pugh wrote in his retirement announcement. "Over years of prolonged depression and substance abuse, I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness."
He added that football was not the root of his problems but acknowledged that life distractions had previously impacted his well-being to a severe degree. Pugh concluded his statement by thanking coaches, teammates, and family for their support in helping him find a life he was happy and proud of.
Following the news of his death, former Wisconsin teammate Braelon Allen, now a running back for the New York Jets, paid tribute on social media, urging others to "Protect your mental."