The baseball world mourned the loss of Pete Rose, a legendary figure, when he passed away on September 30th at the age of 83. News reports initially circulated about his unexpected death, leaving fans and followers questioning, What Killed Pete Rose? This article delves into the details surrounding his passing, drawing from official documents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances and the ultimate cause of death of this iconic athlete.
Rose, residing in Las Vegas, was found unresponsive in his apartment, sparking initial concerns. A family member, worried after days without contact, discovered him, prompting immediate investigation into the events leading up to his death. While the news of his demise resonated across sports media, the specifics of what killed Pete Rose remained a point of public interest.
Pete Rose, former Philadelphia Phillies player, attends an alumni day event in Philadelphia, 2022. Medical conditions contributed to his death.
Official reports from the Clark County coroner’s office clarified the cause of death. Pete Rose died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was also noted as a significant contributing factor. These medical conditions, impacting his heart and blood vessels, were determined to be what killed Pete Rose, according to the official coroner’s report.
Prior to his death, there were indications of Rose’s declining health. Just days before, on September 25th, a concerned individual took Rose to a hospital. She reported that he was “acting different,” although she couldn’t pinpoint specific symptoms beyond a general sense that something was wrong. She requested a comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood and urine tests. However, initial test results reportedly came back normal, failing to identify any immediate critical issues that might explain what killed Pete Rose so soon after.
Despite these seemingly clear results, Rose’s condition deteriorated rapidly. The day before his death, on September 29th, he communicated with someone via text. By the next day, September 30th, he became unresponsive to messages. This lack of communication prompted the welfare check that ultimately led to the discovery of his death, confirming the tragic answer to what killed Pete Rose.
Pete Rose and former Cincinnati Reds teammate Joe Morgan are pictured together in 1980. Rose’s health declined in his later years.
Inside his apartment, investigators noted the presence of various medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, and a partially consumed bottle of NyQuil. There were also signs of vomiting, suggesting possible physical distress in his final hours. While these details paint a picture of his last days, the coroner’s report firmly points to cardiovascular disease and diabetes as what killed Pete Rose.
Pete Rose’s career spanned decades, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds in 1963 and including stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos. His legacy is complex, marked by both on-field achievements and a controversial ban from Major League Baseball in 1989 due to betting on games. Regardless of the controversies, his contributions to baseball are undeniable, and understanding what killed Pete Rose provides a somber conclusion to the life of a sports icon.
In conclusion, Pete Rose’s death was officially attributed to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with diabetes as a contributing factor. While concerns were raised about his health in the days leading up to his passing, the coroner’s report provides a definitive answer to the question, what killed Pete Rose, bringing closure to this chapter in baseball history.
