Cause Of Death Released For Former GVSU Quaterback Cullen Finnerty

Northern Michigan's 9&10 News is reporting that a cause of death has been determined in the death of former Grand Valley State University quarterback Cullen Finnerty.

The autopsy reveals that Finnerty died from pneumonia which was complicated by pain medication. During the autopsy, the coroner also discovered that Finnerty suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) which also complicated his condition. CTE is a degenerative brain disease often linked to past concussions and head trauma.

Grand Valley State University released the following statement after the autopsy results were revealed:

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family of Cullen Finnerty.

Only one time during his collegiate play at Grand Valley did Cullen suffer a concussion which was determined to be mild.  He was removed from the game shortly after halftime and did not play again that day.  He was thoroughly checked by doctors and was later cleared for play in a subsequent game.