Pete Rose, a name synonymous with baseball and known as “Charlie Hustle,” passed away on September 30th at the age of 83. His death, occurring in his Las Vegas apartment, has prompted many to ask: what exactly did Pete Rose die of? Documents obtained by 8 News Now Investigators shed light on the circumstances surrounding his passing and the medical reasons behind it.
According to the Clark County coroner’s office, the official cause of death for Pete Rose was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was also noted as a significant contributing factor. These conditions indicate that Rose suffered from serious heart issues, specifically a combination of high blood pressure and the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. Atherosclerosis reduces blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. The presence of diabetes further exacerbated these risks, as diabetes is known to negatively impact cardiovascular health.
The timeline leading up to Rose’s death reveals that concerns were raised about his well-being in the days prior. A family member, worried after not hearing from Rose for several days, discovered him unresponsive in his apartment on September 30th. Just days before, on September 25th, a woman had taken Rose to the hospital because she noticed he was “acting different.” She requested a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood and urine tests, to understand what might be wrong. However, initial test results reportedly came back normal, and no immediate issues were detected at that time.
On September 29th, Rose was still in contact with someone via text message, but he became unresponsive the following day. This prompted further concern and a welfare check request, ultimately leading to the discovery of his passing. Inside his apartment, police noted the presence of several prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a bottle of NyQuil. There were also signs suggesting he had vomited.
Pete Rose’s career in baseball is legendary. Starting with the Cincinnati Reds in 1963, he went on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, amassing an unparalleled record of hits. Despite his on-field achievements, his career was also marked by controversy, including a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball in 1989 due to betting on games. Regardless of the controversies, his impact on baseball is undeniable, and his death marks the end of an era for many fans.
In conclusion, Pete Rose died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with diabetes as a contributing factor. While a hospital visit occurred shortly before his death due to concerns about his behavior, the underlying cause was ultimately attributed to these serious and pre-existing health conditions. His legacy as one of baseball’s most enduring figures remains, even as we understand more about the circumstances and cause of his passing.