Luke Knox, a college football player and the brother of Buffalo Bills’ Dawson Knox, died at the age of 22 on August 17, 2022. His death shocked and saddened the sports community, especially his family, friends, teammates, and coaches. But what was the cause of his death? And was it related to drugs?
The Circumstances of His Death
According to NBC News, Luke Knox was found in medical distress by friends in his dorm room at Florida International University (FIU), where he had joined the football team this summer. FIU police officers arrived and attempted CPR until rescue arrived and took over. He was transported to a local hospital by Miami-County Fire Rescue and he later died at that hospital.
The Miami-Dade Police Department took over the investigation into Luke’s death and did not suspect foul play, Detective Chris Thomas said. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to publicize Luke’s cause of death.
The Speculation About Drugs
While the official cause of death remains unknown, some reports have suggested that Luke Knox died from a drug overdose. For example, a website called Jambandwaec.com claimed that his cause of death was officially undisclosed, but reports indicated that he died from a drug overdose. However, the website did not provide any sources or evidence to support this claim.
Another website, TheNetline.com, also mentioned the possibility of a drug overdose, but acknowledged that it was only a rumor. The website quoted an anonymous Reddit user who claimed to have insider information about Luke’s death. The user wrote: “I know someone who knows someone who knows someone who works at the hospital where he died. He overdosed on fentanyl. It was a bad batch going around campus.” The website added that the user’s claim could not be verified and that it was best to wait for the official report from the medical examiner.
The Tributes to Luke Knox
Regardless of the cause of his death, Luke Knox was remembered and honored by his family, friends, teammates, and coaches as a passionate, genuine, and loving person. His brother Dawson, who plays as a tight end for the Buffalo Bills, posted a tribute to Luke on his Instagram, saying: “Luke is not lost, because we know exactly where he is. God’s got him, and I know I’ll be seeing him again one day. Luke’s legacy will continue [to] live on through all the lives he’s impacted in incredible ways. This isn’t a goodbye, it’s just a see you later. I love you, Luke.”
FIU Interim President Kenneth Jessell also expressed his condolences to Luke’s family and the FIU community in a video statement. He said: “Luke’s untimely death is deeply felt among his FIU family, his friends, classmates, teammates, coaches and mentors.”
FIU Head Football Coach Mike MacIntyre, who coached Luke at both Ole Miss and FIU, praised Luke’s character and spirit in a Twitter statement. He said: “He had a special way of making everyone feel comfortable and confident. Luke’s family is special to me, and they will continually be in my heart and in my prayers during this difficult time.”
Luke Knox played as a linebacker for the Ole Miss Rebels before transferring to FIU Panthers in 2022. He appeared in 23 games at Ole Miss and recorded 18 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble. He wore the number 16 jersey, which his brother Dawson pointed to after scoring a touchdown for the Bills in October 2022. He said: “That one’s for you 16.”
