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How did Demaryius Thomas die? Ex-Denver Broncos Pro Bowl star, 33, found dead at home

'Days away from your 34th birthday. God be with you Demaryius Thomas'

Former Denver Broncos wide receiver and four-time Pro Bowl player Demaryius Thomas has reportedly died at the age of 33 years. Several reports and sports personalities have now confirmed the news of his tragic death at the prime of his life. Initially, fans were skeptical when rumors surfaced about his sudden demise, but later it was confirmed by multiple AFL and NFL icons who knew him personally. 

Fans and friends of the star poured in their tributes to the legendary footballer, who is remembered by all as a kind, gentle and sweet person. "I met Demaryius Thomas when he was at Georgia Tech - painfully shy and incredibly sweet. He grew so much as a person but never lost that sweetness & kindness. I asked him if he was happy and this was the picture he sent me. This smile truly epitomizes his light. Devastating," NFL broadcaster Laura Okmin tweeted, along with a radiant smiling photo of the late star. Thomas was found dead in his home from a medical issue and no foul play is suspected, the Roswell (Georgia) Police Department confirmed in a statement to NFL Media.

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The cause of Thomas' death is not yet fully ascertained. It is also unclear who he was staying with at the time of his tragic death. In the past, he had opened up about his troubled family life, where his mother and grandmother were imprisoned for 20 years for selling crack cocaine. Thomas' grandmother was freed in 2016 via commutation by then-president Barack Obama. 

The Georgia native was recruited in 2006 and signed with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In 2009, he earned First-Team All-ACC honors despite playing in run-first offense. The following year, Thomas was picked by Denver Broncos in the second round and played with the team for over five years. He remained one of the best receivers in the NFL throughout the time, averaging 98 receptions for 1,374 yards. Later, he played for the New York Jets in 2019, marking the last games in his career.

Thomas was about to turn 34 this Christmas. He was mourned by hundreds on social media who remembered his legacy in sports as well as his kind and gentle nature. 

"Demaryius Thomas, a first-round pick, five-time Pro-Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion for Denver Broncos, was found dead at his home in Roswell, Ga. He would have turned 34 Christmas Day," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted. "Most people saw what Demaryius Thomas could do on the field. Off the field, he was even more special. These are just some of the videos I still have on my phone that swore I never would delete. Being around little kids was when Demaryius seemed the happiest," Washington Post editor Nicki Jhabvala.

Iheartradio executive Juan Hustle tweeted, "Days away from your 34th birthday. Tell the ones you love that you love them. Consistently. You just never know. God be with you Demaryius Thomas." "Wow!! This is so sad man Rest In Peace Demaryius Thomas," actor Chido Nwokocha shared. 

Peabody-winning journalist Marshall Zelinger tweeted, "Seeing so many posts about Demaryius Thomas the person, even more than DT the football player. Do yourself a favor and read the posts by his teammates, look at the photos and watch the videos beyond the playoff OT TD."