Ray Lewis III, 28, passed away on Thursday. The younger Lewis spent two seasons as a player for his father’s alma mater. Ray Lewis is a former linebacker for the Miami Hurricanes and Baltimore Ravens who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lewis is believed to have overdosed, according to a police report that the Associated Press was able to obtain.
“The evidence and witness accounts show this incident to be a tragic accident,” police stated.
The news was first confirmed by his brother Rahsaan’s Instagram story with a photo and a message. Lewis’s former coach at Virginia Union, where he finished his playing career, also addressed the story.
“It’s unbelievable that I’m typing this, but big brother, RIP. A true angel, I pray that you are at peace now that I know how much you were hurting. I don’t have the words to express how much this pain is hurting me right now, and I never will.” Written by Rashaan Lewis. “… I love you I love you I love you your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian I promise I’ll make you smile and proud.”
Lewis III played two seasons as a cornerback for the Hurricanes when he first started playing college football. He played mostly on special teams, but he made nine total game appearances. The next season, he moved to Coastal Carolina, where he made 19 total tackles and helped the Chanticleers return kicks.
In 2017, Lewis played for Virginia Union during his final collegiate season. With three tackles for loss, he totaled 37 tackles. On his personal Facebook page, former Virginia Union coach Mark James posted a statement regarding Lewis’ passing. “Young man, it was a pleasure to bring you to Virginia Union,” James wrote. Ray Ray God bless you and your family. Fantastic young man.”