MLB star Garrett Anderson died as a result of pancreatitis, the Orange County Sheriff Coroner's Office, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday, April 21.
Anderson, a three-time All-Star and 2002 World Series champion with the Los Angeles Angels, passed away last week at the age of 53, stunning the baseball world.
The cause of death was acute necrotizing pancreatitis, according to the Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Anderson's wife Teresa had previously told ESPN she thought her husband had died of a heart attack.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, "necrotizing pancreatitis happens when pancreatitis inflammation is so severe that it causes tissue death (necrosis)."
“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Anderson family," the Angels said in a statement on April 17.
