Coroner: Ex-Wisconsin TE Jack Pugh died of pneumonia

The Franklin County Ohio Coroners Office has determined that former Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jack Pugh died from acute bronchopneumonia, a severe lung infection, stemming from underlying heart and organ conditions. Pugh was 24 years old at the time of his death on March 30, 2026. The coroner's report, released publicly in August 2026, revealed that the pneumonia occurred as a consequence of cardiomyopathy, a disease impairing the heart's ability to pump blood, along with hepatosplenomegaly, an enlargement of the liver and spleen.

The findings bring clarity to the sudden passing of the former college athlete, whose death shocked the university community. According to the official report, Pugh, a Columbus, Ohio, native, was admitted to the hospital prior to his death. His death was announced by Wisconsin's athletic department on March 31, 2026. The coroner's investigation concluded that the chain of medical complications led to his passing.

Pugh joined the Wisconsin football program as a tight end in 2021. While he appeared in only one game for the Badgers, he was recognized with academic All-Big Ten honors in 2022. In December 2023, he publicly announced his decision to...