Arizona offensive lineman Zach Hemmila’s death last month resulted from the combined toxic effects of two prescription drugs, according to an autopsy report issued by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
The drugs found in his system were oxymorphone, an opiate painkiller, and alprazolam, an anxiety medication.
Zach Hemmila
Hemmila, 22, died in his sleep on Aug. 7 or 8. His death was ruled an accident.
Chewing tobacco was found in Hemmila’s mouth, according to the autopsy report. No intact pills were discovered in his gastrointestinal system. His lungs were “markedly congested,” per the report.
The redshirt senior from Chandler was set to be the Wildcats’ starting center this season. The team is honoring him throughout the season with helmet stickers and patches on coaches’ hats.
"Arizona Athletics continues to mourn the passing of Zach Hemmila," the UA said in a statement released Tuesday afternoon. "We will honor the family’s request for privacy and support them in any way we can."
