Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has died at age 38. The ex-NFL player's body was discovered in a hotel room at the Homewood Suites in Florida, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office announced.
Staff said that Jackson had checked into the hotel on Jan. 11. His family filed a missing persons report on Feb. 11. Police located him alive the following day and, after speaking to him and assessing his wellbeing, dismissed the case. A housekeeper discovered Jackson's body four days later.
There are no signs of trauma and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the cause of death. The case is under investigation.
"My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else."
Jackson's parents both served in the U.S. Army and because of this, he founded the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, which is dedicated to helping military families and their children, People reported.
"We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office to recognize his dedication to the community," Chronister said. "He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions."
Jackson played his first seven seasons with the San Diego Chargers. He spent the final five seasons of his career with the Buccaneers and last played in the NFL in 2016, ESPN reported. He was selected to three Pro Bowls during his career.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
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