With investigators looking into the death of Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson, his family on Thursday asked for privacy, calling this “one of the darkest moments in our lives.”
In a statement shared on social media by Doni Smith, Ferguson’s fiancee, the family said it was with “deep sadness that we acknowledge the unexpected passing of our beloved Jaylon Ferguson.” Baltimore Police said they found the 26-year-old unresponsive at a home in the 400 block of Ilchester Avenue in Baltimore’s Harwood neighborhood late Tuesday.
Ferguson never regained consciousness and was later pronounced dead on the scene. Police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play, but investigators have not ruled out the possibility of an overdose. They said the medical examiner will determine a cause of death.
In its statement, Ferguson’s family said that despite “the speculation in earlier reports, at this point in time the cause of Jaylon’s death has yet to be determined. This is one of the darkest moments in our lives and we are still utterly shocked. We ask that you please respect our privacy as we navigate through this difficult time.”
Ferguson and Smith had three young children. In a statement released by the team Wednesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh called Ferguson, who was entering his fourth season in Baltimore, “a good-hearted, gentle person who loved his family and his team.”
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