HILLSBOROUGH Co., Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the death of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was found dead Monday in a hotel room in Brandon
Jackson, 38, a South Tampa resident, checked into the Homewood Suites at 10240 Palm River Road in Brandon on Jan. 11 and had been staying there since then.
His family reported him missing on Feb. 10. Two days later, deputies visited Jackson at the hotel to check on his well-being and the missing person’s case was canceled.
A housekeeper found Jackson dead in his hotel room around 11:30 a.m. Monday. Deputies said there were no signs of trauma, and that the medical examiner’s office was working to determine Jackson’s cause of death.
On Wednesday, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Crystal Clark said Jackson had suffered from chronic alcoholism and concussions, but his exact cause of death is still unknown.
“It could be several weeks before we know what led to the untimely and tragic death of Vincent Jackson. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to conduct a thorough investigation alongside the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Based on statements made by relatives of Jackson to detectives, his family had reason to believe he may have suffered from chronic alcoholism and concussions, however, the exact cause and manner of Mr. Jackson’s death will not be certain until his autopsy, among other reports, is complete,” Clark said.
Sheriff Chad Chronister released the following statement on Monday:
“My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else. Football aside, he touched countless lives through his Jackson In Action 83 Foundation. We shared a passion for supporting military families, and three years ago, Jackson was even made an honorary deputy by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to recognize his dedication to the community. He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions.”
-Sheriff Chad Chronister
Buccaneers owner Bryan Glazer released a statement Monday night saying the organization was “shocked and saddened” to hear of Jackson’s passing.
“During his five seasons with our franchise, Vincent was a consummate professional, who took a great deal of pride in his performance on and off the football field,” the statement said. “Vincent was a dedicated father, husband, businessman and philanthropist, who made a deep impact on our community through his unyielding advocacy for military families, supported by the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation.”
-Bryan Glazer
