Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams died Sunday morning in Greenwood, S.C. He was 26.
Greenwood County Coroner Jim Coursey told NFL Network that Adams was experiencing “health issues” Sunday, so his girlfriend called for an ambulance. Adams arrived at Self Regional Hospital just after 8 a.m. ET and was pronounced dead in the emergency room at 8:21 a.m.
Coursey said Adams had no history of health problems. An autopsy and a toxicology report are planned to determine the cause of death.
Adams lived in Greenwood, according to WYFF TV, and played collegiately at nearby Clemson.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Adams fourth overall in 2007, and he had 13.5 sacks in 37 games with the team. He was traded to the Bears on Oct. 16 in exchange for a 2010 second-round draft pick and played in 10 games.
The Bears, who have former Bucs defensive coach Rod Marinelli coaching their line, believed Adams had the potential to be an impact player in the mold of Simeon Rice.
