SOUTHWEST RANCHES, Fla. – A former Miami Dolphins cornerback’s cause of death remained a mystery despite Broward County’s release of an 11-page autopsy and investigation report that included details about his alleged drug use to cope with a degenerative brain disease.
Vontae Davis played in the NFL for 10 seasons from 2009 to 2018. Records show he was living in Southwest Ranches when his assistant Valentina Bukharova reported finding him dead, naked, and lying on the floor of his home gym on April 1, 2024, records show.
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According to the investigation report, the home security system’s surveillance video showed nothing suspicious, and the driver who dropped off Davis, 35, shortly after 7:20 p.m., March 30, 2024, said he was “acting normal.
FILE – Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) gives his gloves to a fan after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. The Colts won 35-33. Former Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis was found dead in his South Florida home on Monday, April 1, 2024, but police say no foul play is suspected.(AP Photo/Weston Kenney, File) (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
According to the investigators’ report, Bukharova was aware that Davis was a drug user who often displayed “erratic behavior” such as running back and forth down the hallway several times without reason.
When detectives searched the home, they reported finding a spoon with a burnt marking, drug paraphernalia, pink and white tablets, clear capsules with white powder, and cannabis gummies.
The medical examiner included a toxicology report showing Davis tested positive for marijuana and stimulant and psychedelic drugs.
Broward County records (BC)
According to the autopsy report, Davis suffered blunt force injuries, which could be caused by a blow or fall. The injuries were in the head, torso, and arms.
The medical examiner described the injuries to his head as a “linear red abrasion” above the right eye, and blood coming from the scalp on the right side.
Broward County record (BC)
The other injuries were “hemorrhage in the deep tissues” of his upper back, a laceration on his right elbow, and an abrasion on his left forearm.
Vernon Davis told investigators that his brother “had an extensive history of alcohol and illicit drug use” and Megan Harpe, his ex-wife, reported the use started after he was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. The progressive brain disease that results from repeated head trauma can result in a loss of judgment, inability to control impulses, rage, and dementia.
According to the Broward County Office of Medical Examiner and Trauma Services, his cause of death remained “undetermined” after the investigation.
“Due to the totality of the circumstances, including inconsistencies between the scene and the findings at autopsy, the cause and manner of death is best classified as undetermined,” Dr. Rebecca MacDougall, the medical examiner, wrote in her March 30 report.
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Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis’s cause of death remained a mystery despite Broward County’s release of the autopsy report. Read More
