| Real Name: | Garrett William Reid |
| Birthday: | April 13, 1983 - August 5, 2012 |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Height: | 180 cm |
| Occupation: | Son of Andy Reid |
Garrett Reid, the eldest son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, faced tragic circumstances in 2012. At the age of 29, he was found dead in his room at Lehigh University during the team’s training camp. Despite his previous struggles with addiction, Garrett had shown signs of turning his life around before his untimely death.
The investigation into the cause of death revealed that Garrett had died from a self-injected heroin overdose. The coroner discovered a used syringe, a spoon, and 19 vials of an unknown liquid substance in his dorm room. This unfortunate event brought attention to the ongoing battle with addiction that the Reid family faced, as Garrett’s younger brother, Britt, had also experienced issues with drug use.
The Philadelphia Eagles organization and community offered their condolences and support to Andy Reid and his family in the aftermath of Garrett’s death. The loss of Garrett Reid served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that addiction can have on individuals and their loved ones.
Contents
Biographical Background
Early Life and Education
Garrett Reid, born to Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid and his wife Tammy Reid, had a passion for sports from a young age. Growing up in a family where football played a significant role, it is no surprise that Garrett developed an inclination towards the sport.
He attended Lehigh University, where he made valuable contributions to the university’s football program. Garrett was known for his positive attitude and dedication towards improving his skills, which led him to a position assisting the Eagles’ strength and conditioning coaches.
Unfortunately, Garrett’s life was plagued by personal struggles, and he tragically passed away on August 5, 2012. His death was a great loss for his family, friends, and the entire sports community.
While his life was cut short, Garrett Reid’s influence and dedication to the sport of football continue to be remembered by those who knew him and worked with him.
Professional Career
Role with Philadelphia Eagles
Garrett Reid, the son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, was working as a member of the Eagles organization during the time of his death. He served an important role by assisting the team’s strength and conditioning coach during their training camp sessions at Lehigh University. Having found a sense of purpose with the NFL team, Garrett appeared to be in the early stages of building a promising career in the sports industry.
Commitment to Strength and Conditioning
As a strength and conditioning coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, Garrett was passionate about helping others improve their physical fitness and performance. His commitment to the field extended beyond his work with the Eagles, as he had planned to further his knowledge and career by enrolling in sports studies. A table illustrating Garrett’s involvement in sports coaching is provided below:
| Role | Organization | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Coach | Philadelphia Eagles | Strength and Conditioning |
| Enrolled in Sports Studies | Not Applicable (Planned) | Expanding Knowledge of Field |
Through his work with the Eagles, Garrett was dedicated to supporting players in their physical development, and in turn, contributing to the team’s overall success. This professional experience not only showcased his passion for strength and conditioning, but also demonstrated the potential he possessed to excel in the field.
Personal Life
Family Connections
Garrett Reid, the late son of legendary American football coach Andy Reid, was one of five children in the Reid family. With three siblings, namely Crosby, Britt, and Drew Ann Reid, the Reid family shared a strong connection and mutual support. Being of Caucasian ethnicity, the family members faced numerous challenges together, overcoming adversities and celebrating accomplishments.
Struggles with Addiction
While Garrett was a beloved son and brother, he struggled with addiction throughout his life. As a recovering drug addict, his ongoing battle with addiction posed challenges for both him and his family. Despite facing hardships, they relied on their faith and strong family ties to support one another and surmount the obstacles.
Garrett’s struggles unfortunately culminated in a tragic drug overdose in 2012, which took his life at the young age of 29. This devastating loss was felt by the entire Reid family, who continued to honor his memory throughout their lives.
In the face of these challenges, Andy Reid and his family continued their journey together, proving their resilience and unbreakable bond. Their experience with loss and struggle further emphasizes the importance of love, support, and understanding within families.
The Incident at Lehigh University
Discovery and Emergency Response
On a fateful day at the Philadelphia Eagles training camp held in Lehigh University, Garrett Reid, son of coach Andy Reid, was found unresponsive in his dorm room. An Eagles official discovered him and immediately placed a 911 call at 7:20 a.m. to report the situation. In response, emergency personnel arrived at the scene, and Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek soon pronounced Garrett Reid dead.
After the tragic discovery, necessary actions were taken by the Eagles to address Reid’s passing with the team. A team prayer was organized, providing players and staff a moment to grieve and support each other during the difficult time.
The Investigation
Following the initial emergency response, police chief Ed Shupp led an inquiry to determine the cause of Reid’s death. The investigation was conducted diligently, considering all necessary factors and respecting the privacy of the Reid family.
While the findings of the investigation eventually revealed that Garrett Reid had died of a heroin overdose, it shed light on his long-publicized struggle with substance abuse, showing a young man who battled addiction throughout his life.
With a confident, knowledgeable, and clear voice, this section presents a neutral and concise recap of the events surrounding Garrett Reid’s unfortunate passing at Lehigh University.
Legal Matters and Aftermath
Autopsy and Coroner’s Findings
Garrett Reid, son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, faced numerous legal troubles throughout his life, including drug charges and probation violations. On January 30, Garrett tested positive for heroin and admitted to using the drug that day, leading to his involvement in a car accident when he ran a red light in Plymouth Township. Garrett Reid struggled with addiction for several years, starting with marijuana and alcohol at age 18.
Garrett Reid tragically succumbed to an accidental heroin overdose in August 2012. The Northampton County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy, which ultimately revealed the cause of death. During the investigation, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli held a news conference in which he disclosed that steroids were also found in Garrett Reid’s room at Lehigh University, the site of the Eagles’ training camp.
Public Statements
Following the autopsy results and news conference, Eagles’ General Manager Howie Roseman stated that the team had no knowledge of Garrett Reid possessing steroids. Public officials and figures offered their condolences, with many sending their thoughts and prayers to the Reid family during this difficult time.
As a part of the aftermath, the District Attorney and probation officer continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding Garrett Reid’s death and any connections to his past legal matters. Though all parties involved acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident, it served as a reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of support for those struggling with substance abuse issues.
Tributes and the Eagles Organization
Reactions from the NFL Community
When Garrett Reid, the 29-year-old son of Eagles head coach Andy Reid, was found dead in his dorm room during the team’s training camp at Lehigh University, the news sent shockwaves throughout the NFL community. Philadelphia Eagles Chairman and CEO, Jeffrey Lurie, provided a heartfelt statement, describing the day as one of life’s tough days and expressing condolences for the Reid family.
Lurie was not alone in his sentiments, as numerous NFL luminaries attended Garrett’s funeral which drew more than 900 attendees. As a testament to the respect for both Andy Reid and his family, figures from across the league attended while their teams were in the midst of preseason preparations. The widespread outpouring of support highlighted the close-knit nature of the NFL community.
Legacy and Memorials
Garrett Reid’s death deeply affected the Eagles organization, especially head coach Andy Reid and his wife Tammy. Despite the tragic loss of their son, the Reid family found strength in their connection to the Eagles and the surrounding community.
During Andy Reid’s tenure in Philadelphia as the head coach, the Eagles won several accolades under his guidance, including six NFC East titles and making nine playoff appearances. Additionally, the team competed in five conference championship games and reached the Super Bowl in 2004, albeit suffering a loss. However, the Eagles family, including coaches such as Marty Mornhinweg and Juan Castillo, continued to rally around their head coach and his family during these difficult times.
In honor of Garrett Reid’s memory, the Philadelphia Eagles organization continued to keep the Reid family in their thoughts, maintaining an atmosphere of support and understanding. The legacy of Garrett Reid lives on through his family’s connection to the Eagles organization and their resilience, both on and off the field.
Broader Impact on Reid Family
Britt Reid’s Legal Troubles
The Reid family has faced various challenges due to drug addiction. One notable instance is the legal troubles involving Andy Reid’s son, Britt Reid. Britt was involved in a high-speed car crash in 2007 while under the influence of drugs. This led to Britt facing several charges, which ultimately resulted in a sentencing hearing. At that time, Britt was sentenced to serve jail time.
Despite the hardships, the Reid family has not shied away from acknowledging their struggles with addiction. Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, has openly discussed the difficulty in managing his family’s drug addiction issues alongside his successful career in the NFL. This approach has led to an increase in awareness of the opioid crisis and its impact on families across America.
Andy Reid’s Public Image
Coach Andy Reid’s public image has undoubtedly been affected by his family’s addiction struggles. Although Andy Reid has continued to enjoy a successful coaching career, the challenges faced by his family have not gone unnoticed by the wider public and media. The death of his son Garrett, due to a heroin overdose in 2012, further intensified the attention on the family’s struggles with drug addiction.
However, despite the difficulties, Andy Reid’s handling of the issue has largely attracted positive reactions in the media. His openness about the issue and his commitment to work through these tough times have been widely appreciated by fans and commentators alike.
Throughout his ordeal, Andy Reid has remained focused on his career and in 2020, he led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory. It’s clear that despite the addiction struggles that have touched his family, coach Andy Reid remains committed to his team and his profession.
Ongoing Discussions on Drug Abuse in Sports
NFL Drug Policy
The NFL has consistently worked on tackling drug problems by implementing and updating its drug policy. The policy aims to address both performance-enhancing and recreational drugs. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been actively involved in ensuring the enforcement of these rules and updating them based on the ever-changing landscape of drug use in sports.
An important aspect of the policy is the:
- Prevention of chronic drug use among players
- Providing support for those battling addiction.
With appropriate measures in place, the league aims to protect the integrity of the sport and the well-being of its players.
Role of Coaches and Support Staff
The role of coaches and support staff, such as strength coaches, extends beyond improving the players’ physical abilities. They are also responsible for:
- Guiding players on making healthy decisions
- Discouraging the use of illegal substances
- Promoting clean sport
Additionally, staff members must be vigilant and act as role models in adhering to NFL drug policies themselves. The unfortunate case of Garrett Reid, son of Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, serves as a reminder that drug abuse can affect anyone connected to the sport, even outside the playing field. Garrett Reid’s death was a result of an accidental heroin overdose, and an investigation later found steroids in his possession.
Efforts to prevent cases like Garrett Reid’s are at the forefront of discussions on drug abuse in sports. It is vital that all stakeholders, including the NFL, coaches, support staff, and players, unite in the ongoing fight against drug abuse to ensure a safer, healthier sporting environment.
Appendix
Drug Abuse Resources
When dealing with drug addiction, it’s essential to have access to appropriate resources. These can include places to obtain syringes, needles, and spoons for safe consumption, as well as addiction treatment centers and support groups to help overcome the challenges of addiction. It is not uncommon for individuals struggling with addiction to carry supplies such as syringes, pills, and vials in their personal belongings like a gym bag.
In the wake of tragic cases like Garrett Reid’s, it is crucial to remember that drug abuse resources are available to those in need. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact us for assistance and support in finding the necessary resources to help.
Philadelphia Eagles Historical Highlights
Within the context of the NFL, Philadelphia Eagles have had their share of significant moments and controversies. Under the leadership of Commissioner Roger Goodell, the league has navigated several high-profile issues, including players’ drug abuse and legal troubles. One notable instance is the case of Michael Vick.
Vick, a star quarterback for the Eagles, faced serious legal consequences and prison time for his involvement in a dogfighting ring. His case came to light after investigations into phone records and other sources of evidence. Following his incarceration, Vick returned to the NFL and played several more seasons, including a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles. His story serves as an example of the league’s approach to managing players’ off-field issues, including drug problems and legal challenges.
