Tragic Details Found In Reggie White's Autopsy Report

Publish date: 2024-04-12

Sleep apnea (via the Mayo Clinic) is when someone stops and restarts breathing over the course of a night. It played a part in the football legend's death. Per Autopsy Files, there were five reasons given by pathologist Dr. J. Michael Sullivan for Reggie White's death. The first was "sarcoidosis with involvement of heart, lungs, and liver." Second was "cardiomegaly with left ventricular concentric hypertrophy." Third was a "history of sleep apnea." Fourth was "moderate coronary atherosclerosis." Fifth was "mild aortic atherosclerosis." The cause of death was stated as "cardiac: pulmonary sarcoidosis." 

White did know that he had sleep apnea, and he was given a CPAP to help with his breathing. He didn't like it, though, and refused to wear it (via ResMed). White didn't know that there was another option for sleep apnea — oral appliances, reports Cleveland Clinic. That option could have helped save his life and prevented the problems that ultimately wound up killing him. 

Nowadays, White serves as a cautionary tale for people with sleep apnea. His foundation gives CPAP machines to those who need them. By doing that, he is helping save lives.

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