ASHBURN, Va. (May 2, 2007) -- A preliminary autopsy shows that former NFL linebacker Kevin Mitchell died of a massive heart attack.
Mitchell died in his sleep overnight April 29 at his home in Ashburn at age 36. He retired in 2003 after a 10-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers (1994-97), New Orleans Saints (1998-99) and Washington Redskins (2000-03).
The results of a more detailed autopsy will be known in the next four to six weeks, according to a statement released by the Redskins at the request of Mitchell's family.
Services for Mitchell will be held May 5 in Harrisburg, Pa. Mitchell was a graduate of Harrisburg High School.
Mitchell was drafted in the second round out of Syracuse in 1994 by the 49ers.
