Peach Tree Times

As family, friends and fans mourn the death of former NFL Pro Bowl receiver Demaryius Thomas at 33, many people are left wondering how a man in the prime of his life could be taken so suddenly. 

Officer Tim Lupo, the Roswell Police Department’s public information officer, told Fox 5 that authorities believe a medical issue led to Thomas’ death, and one family member said the family is blaming a seizure for the Dec. 10 tragedy.  

“He had been suffering from seizures for over a year, and we believe he had a seizure when he was showering," Thomas’ first cousin, LaTonya Bonseigneur, told Fox News. "We’re not sure when he died."

Bonseigneur told Fox News that Thomas was alone and when a friend couldn’t reach him, he contacted his driver, who was given a key to his home because of the seizures. The station reported that when the driver went to the home, he found Thomas in the shower. 

According to Fox 5, Thomas last played in the NFL in 2019, taking the field in 11 games for the New York Jets, starting 10. Thomas was a five-time Pro Bowler during eight seasons with the Denver Broncos, including a Super Bowl victory, according to Fox 5. In the 2011 Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he caught a touchdown pass from Tim Tebow on the first play of overtime, helping the Broncos advance, according to the station. 

Thomas had announced his retirement from the game six months ago, Fox 5 reported, adding that the Broncos expressed shock, noting that the team had expected to honor Thomas as one of its all-time great players for years to come. Thomas also was remembered, according to the station, for his charitable work with the Broncos Boys and Girls Club, numerous hospital visits and an annual football camp, according to the staton.