Bryce Beekman in team stretches before the Cal game last year

THE WHITMAN COUNTY CORONER on Friday said Washington State safety Bryce Beekman died of acute intoxication. Coroner Annie Pillers said the 22-year-old Beekman died after consuming a combination of fentanyl and promethazine. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, while promethazine is commonly used to relieve allergies. Pillers said the death was ruled accidental.

The safety, a senior-to-be from Baton Rouge, was found dead in his Pullman apartment on March 23.

So sad. Statement from WSU regarding Whitman County Coroner’s Office conclusion that Bryce Beekman passed away due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and promethazine pic.twitter.com/8oCkDhNAKP — COUGFANcom (@CougfanCOM) April 24, 2020

"He had his whole life in front of him, and it is nothing but a tragedy that he has been taken from us so soon," the Beekman family said in a statement released by WSU.

Related: Bryce Beekman, 'When great trees fall'

In a separate statement, athletic director Pat Chun said; “We are aware of the Whitman County Coroner’s report regarding Bryce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Bryce’s family, friends and teammates. We continue to support all of our student-athletes in this difficult time.”

Beekman. In his rookie season at WSU after coming in from junior college, started all 13 games for the Cougs at free safety, finishing fifth on the team with 60 tackles along with one interception. He was expected to be a key part of WSU's secondary, and defense, in 2020.

BEEKMAN FAMILY STATEMENT

We are extremely grateful for the national outpouring of love and support. It is a clear sign of all the lives that were touched by Bryce. We encourage everyone to remember how his bright smile, genuine personality, and amazing spirit brought people together, which is what made him such a wonderful family member, real friend, and great teammate.

Today we were informed by the Whitman County Coroner’s Office that Bryce passed away due to an accidental overdose of fentanyl and promethazine. Our family has many outstanding questions. We genuinely appreciate all the support we have received from the Pullman Police, the Coroner’s office, and the Dean of Students office and Athletics Department at Washington State University. We are working closely with the Pullman Police to get our questions answered and ultimately help prevent this from happening again to anyone else’s son or daughter.

As this important investigation continues, we respectfully request privacy for our family. We are all grieving and wish to honor Bryce’s life right now. Like many college students, Bryce was looking forward to graduating and was excited about his future. He had his whole life in front of him, and it is nothing but a tragedy that he has been taken from us so soon.



PAT CHUN STATEMENT

We are aware of the Whitman County Coroner’s report regarding Bryce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Bryce’s family, friends and teammates. We continue to support all of our student-athletes in this difficult time.

All WSU students needing immediate assistance can contact the 24/7 WSU Crisis Line at 509-335-2159. Staff and faculty can receive assistance at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) State toll-free number at 1-877-313-4455.

Opioid use and misuse are a national crisis and their impact is felt at an alarming rate. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioids, please call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit the National Opioids Crisis website at hhs.gov/opioids.

Out of respect to the family and law enforcement, Washington State University will have no further comment.

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