The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has determined that former Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh died of acute bronchopneumonia.
Pugh, 24, passed away on March 30 in Ohio, the coroner ruled this week. The ex-Badgers tight end’s death stemmed from an infection in the lung that causes severe inflammation in the airways, according to the official findings. Bronchopneumonia resulted from an underlying heart condition called cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the organ to pump blood to the rest of the body.
The Hilliard, Ohio native played for Wisconsin from 2021 to 2023 and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors before stepping away from the team. He was listed at 6-foot-5 and 241 pounds and appeared in one game for the Badgers as a freshman. Pugh was a promising basketball player in his high school years before opting to prioritize football instead.
“The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh,” the Badgers said in a statement after they confirmed Pugh’s death on March 31.
“Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared about people and was loved by his teammates and staff,” the statement continued. “Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved.”
In the viral moment that preceded his death, Pugh announced his retirement from football in December 2023 with a candid social media post about his mental health struggles. He revealed he dealt with “years of prolonged depression and substance abuse” before finally deciding to prioritize his well-being. He added, “I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness.” The former tight end’s openness about stepping away from the sport to focus on his mental health resonated widely online and drew support from fellow athletes and fans.
Pugh’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Wisconsin football community and beyond. The Badgers’ statement emphasized his character and the impact he had on those around him during his time in Madison. His Academic All-Big Ten honors reflected his success in the classroom alongside his athletic pursuits.
The coroner’s ruling brings official clarity to the circumstances of Pugh’s sudden passing, which had been mourned across college football since late March. Cardiomyopathy, the underlying heart condition identified in the report, is a disease that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to serious complications including respiratory infections like the bronchopneumonia that ultimately caused his death.
The Wisconsin football program has not announced any specific memorial plans.