The recent passing of Pete Rose at the age of 83 has prompted many to ask, what was Pete Rose’s cause of death? This article delves into the details surrounding his death, based on official reports and documents, to provide a clear understanding of the circumstances.
Pete Rose’s Death and Official Cause
Pete Rose, the legendary baseball player, sadly passed away on September 30th in his Las Vegas apartment. According to the Clark County coroner’s office, the primary cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was also noted as a significant contributing factor in his passing.
To break down these medical terms, hypertensive cardiovascular disease refers to heart problems caused by high blood pressure. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, commonly known as atherosclerosis, is a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing and hardening them. This can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes mellitus, often simply called diabetes, is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar. Over time, diabetes can damage the heart and blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In Pete Rose’s case, diabetes mellitus exacerbated his pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, ultimately contributing to his death.
Pete Rose, former Philadelphia Phillies player, participates in an alumni day event prior to a baseball game between the Phillies and the Washington Nationals in Philadelphia on August 7, 2022. The baseball icon’s passing was attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Events Leading Up to Pete Rose’s Passing
The days leading up to Pete Rose’s death reveal a timeline of health concerns and interventions. A family member, concerned about not hearing from him for several days, discovered him unresponsive in his apartment on September 30th.
Prior to this, on September 25th, a woman who knew Rose took him to the hospital because she noticed he was “acting different.” She described his behavior as unusual and requested a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood and urine tests. However, the test results reportedly came back normal, and no immediate issues were detected at that time.
On September 29th, the day before his death, another individual communicated with Rose. When they attempted to reach him again via text on September 30th and received no response, they contacted a family member and requested a welfare check, leading to the discovery of his passing.
This 1980 file photo shows Pete Rose, then with the Phillies, alongside former Cincinnati Reds teammate Joe Morgan. Rose’s health declined in his later years, culminating in his death from cardiovascular disease.
Inside his apartment, police found several prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a partially consumed bottle of NyQuil. There were also indications he had vomited. While these details provide a glimpse into his condition in his final days, the official cause of death remained hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with diabetes as a contributing factor.
In conclusion, Pete Rose’s cause of death was officially determined to be hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, significantly influenced by diabetes mellitus. The timeline of events suggests a rapid decline in his health in the days preceding his passing, culminating in the discovery of his death on September 30th. This information clarifies the circumstances surrounding the death of the baseball legend for those seeking to understand what was Pete Rose’s cause of death.
