Bears DE and former Clemson star Gaines Adams passes away

[UNCrules2187]

Reports: Gaines Adams dead at 26

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 17, 2010 11:24 AM ET

We have some sobering news to pass along before this Sunday of football begins.

Bears defensive end Gaines Adams has died at the age of 26, according to the Greenville News in South Carolina. NBC4 in Greenville confirms the report.

Greenwood County Coroner James T. Coursey said Adams was declared dead after he was taken to an emergency room Sunday morning. Coursey said Adams appeared to be in perfect health.

Adams played his college football at Clemson. He was drafted fourth overall by the Bucs in 2007, then traded to the Bears last year.

Coursey said Adams appeared to be in perfect health and there will be an an investigation by the Greenwood Sheriff's Office and the Greenwood County Coroner's Office. An autopsy will be performed Sunday; the cause of death is unclear.

We send our best wishes and condolences to Adams' family.

Per PFT, also confirmed in tweets by Schefter:

Worst news possible: Sadly, tragically, Bears DE Gaines Adams has passed away

Adams was rushed to emergency room at a South Carolina hospital this morning. Autopsy planned for today. Adams was 26. RIP.

f**k, wow. RIP Gaines Adams.

[DaCityKats]

just seen this on espn.damn life is short, rip ga.

[SmootsDaddy89]

In other news the Bears' defensive line just got better.

[X-Clown]

Damnit, I had Fiz at -500 on who would be the first to make a joke about this.

[UNCrules2187]

In other news the Bears' defensive line just got better.

Wow...just wow.

[bigdog10]

In other news the Bears' defensive line just got better.

What a P.O.S

RIP Gaines. Thoughts and prayers to his family

[Sword]

saying it was a heart attack

[Brooklyn Bully]

While it is unfortunate, I find it just as lame that people say "rip" as other people find the jokes lame. I mean, if you knew him that's understandable. But why do you feel the need to type that? And did you REALLY take a moment to think about his family and pray for them? I highly doubt that.

[TerriblePizza]

RIP Gaines Adams. Although you were a Clemson alum, you're still a SC native.

[jbland]

Sad sad news. RIP.

[thunderraiden]

Jezz, what is with these young athletes just "dropping" dead from heart attacks without much prior negative contributions. I know we don't know exactly what he did in his personal life but there is no way he was in worst shape than 99% of the people on this message board.

[SmootsDaddy89]

Damnit, I had Fiz at -500 on who would be the first to make a joke about this.

Yeah he's going to be pissed, mainly because I'm pretty sure he would have said something along the same lines as what I said. Hopefully it'll inspire him to come up with something better instead to show me up.

[PanthersFanNY]

Yeah he's going to be pissed, mainly because I'm pretty sure he would have said something along the same lines as what I said. Hopefully it'll inspire him to come up with something better instead to show me up.

Maybe you should stop giving him the reach around.

[AKPantherFan]

wonder if he was doing Coke?

heart attack at 26?