Cause of death revealed for ex-Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh, who died at 24

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Key points

• The Franklin County Coroner's Office determined the ex-Badger died on March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia, an infection in the lung that causes severe inflammation in the airways.
• Pugh was listed at 6-foot-5 and 241 pounds and played one game for Wisconsin as a freshman.
• The tragic cause of death for 24-year-old Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh has been made public.
• Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program.
• He continued, "I decided I deserved a better life and to finally find happiness."

Meanwhile, the tragic cause of death for 24-year-old Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh has been made public.

Notably, the Franklin County Coroner's Office determined the ex-Badger died on March 30 from acute bronchopneumonia, an infection in the lung that causes severe inflammation in the airways.

Bronchopneumonia results from an underlying heart condition called cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the organ to pump blood to the rest of the body, per Medical News Today.

For context, a tight end from Hilliard, Ohio, Pugh played for the Badgers from 2021-23 and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors before stepping away from the team due to a mental health matter.

"The Wisconsin athletics family is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jack Pugh, " the Badgers remarked in an official note after they confirmed Pugh's death on March 31.

"Jack was a positive light and brought a genuine spirit to our football program. More than that, he cared regarding residents and was loved by his teammates and staff, " the statement continued. "Jack proudly earned his degree from UW-Madison in 2025 and will forever be remembered and loved."

When he disclosed he dealt with "years of prolonged depression and substance abuse" before finally deciding to prioritize his mental health, pugh confirmed his retirement from football in December 2023.

He was a promising basketball player in his high school years before opting to prioritize football instead.

Taken together, the developments around cause of death revealed for ex-Wisconsin football player Jack Pugh, who died point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.