“We are proud to honor Ray Ray’s legacy by teaching our youth about football safety while sharing and supporting research on CTE,” Lewis said
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Almost a year after his death, it has now been confirmed that Ray Lewis III, the son of former NFL star Ray Lewis, was suffering from Stage 2 Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This revelation was made by researchers from the Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF).
The CLF disclosed in a press release that Dr. Ann McKee, director of the Boston University CTE Center, diagnosed Ray Lewis III with this brain condition, which is commonly linked to football players. The diagnosis was made posthumously as CTE can only be confirmed after death.
While alive, Ray Lewis III exhibited significant behavioral changes that raised suspicions about him possibly suffering from CTE. These symptoms included severe memory issues, erratic behavior, and impulsivity.
Tatyana McCall, Lewis’ mother, shared her deep sorrow, stating, “Little did I know when I put my son in tackle football at age 5, I ran the risk of having to bury him 22 years later. I would have done something different now knowing the risks. We need to wait until our babies are at least 14 to allow them to play tackle football. It also breaks my heart that you have to die to get a diagnosis for this disease.”
Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis also honored his son’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of teaching youth about the safety aspects of football while supporting ongoing research on CTE.
Last July, an autopsy report confirmed that Ray Lewis III died from a drug overdose, caused by a lethal mix of substances found in his system.
The Casselberry Police Department reported that Lewis III was discovered unresponsive in a central Florida home on June 14, 2023. Narcotics and alcohol were present at the scene, including an anti-anxiety pill, a used needle, and a plastic bag near a beer can.
Despite receiving police-issued Narcan for treatment of the overdose, there was no response. He was later transported to the Advent Health Hospital in Altamonte Springs by the Seminole County Fire Department, where he was declared dead.
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The Casselberry Police Department concluded their investigation, labeling the incident a tragic accident, and extended their sympathies to the Lewis family and friends.
Ray Lewis III had a promising football career, starting as a running back at Lake Mary Prep in Florida. He continued his journey at the University of Miami with the Miami Hurricanes before transferring to Coastal Carolina University in 2015.
Unfortunately, his career faced hurdles when he had to leave Coastal Carolina University following an indictment by a South Carolina grand jury on a charge of third-degree criminal sexual assault in 2016, which was later dropped after an investigation.
He completed his college football journey with the Virginia Union Panthers in 2017 and later played indoor football for the Wyoming Mustangs in 2021.
Dr. Chris Nowinski, CLF CEO and co-founder, said that Ray Lewis III’s death underscores the need to intensify CTE research and treatment efforts. “Stories like Ray Ray Lewis’ remind us why we need to accelerate efforts to prevent and treat CTE,” he stated. He also thanked the Lewis family for their commitment to research and education, aimed at making football safer, and encouraged others to act on these findings.
