ATLANTA - The autopsy results in the death of Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier will not be available for at least another day, the Forsyth County coroner said Sunday.
In a written statement, Lauren W. McDonald III said the autopsy has been performed, but other tests are needed.
``Due to the weekend and the case volume of the pathologist, further testing will not begin until Monday,'' McDonald said. ``It would be inappropriate to speculate on the cause of Mr. Collier's death until further examinations are completed.''
Collier died early Saturday after he had trouble breathing in his home on Lake Lanier near Cumming, according to his father. He was 28.
Jeff Collier told The Associated Press his son died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital and did not have any diagnosed health problems apart from his knees.
Collier was a 7-foot, 260-pound player. General manager Billy Knight said Collier had ``no issues'' in a preseason physical given to all players.
Collier's agent, Richard Howell said his client was in good shape.
He said Collier and his wife ate dinner at a restaurant Friday night and then returned home, where Collier spent time playing with his daughter.
``He started feeling real bad in the middle of the night,'' said Howell, who spoke with Collier's wife, Katie.
Collier was a part-time starting center the last two seasons after playing mostly as a backup in three years at Houston. He began his college career at Indiana before transferring to Georgia Tech.
``We are saddened by the news of Jason Collier's sudden passing,'' NBA commissioner David Stern said. ``He epitomized hard work, dedication and perseverance, and more importantly compassion, kindness and selflessness.''
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Saturday
March 15th, 2025
7:57PM
