Autopsy of Ex-Northern Arizona Football Player Malik Noshi Shows Opioid Overdose
Sep 4, 2019
Northern Arizona offensive lineman Malik Noshi (65) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
The autopsy on former Northern Arizona University offensive guard Malik Noshi revealed that he died from an opioid overdose, according to Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic.
The report said the cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication, and also noted that he had recently used cocaine and alcohol. The medical examiner's report said the overdose was accidental.
Noshi, who was 22, died on July 7 in Flagstaff, Arizona. According to Rio Lacanlale of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, medics were called to his home after he was found not breathing, and they attempted "life-saving measures," though Noshi was ultimately pronounced dead on the scene.
NAU vice president for intercollegiate athletics, Mike Marlow, released the following statement after the results of the autopsy were revealed:
"Opioids are commonly referred to as a national crisis. No community or family is immune from the dangers they represent. The statistics are alarming but we will not allow Malik's memory to become just a statistic. Malik was a leader, hard worker, close teammate, friend and loved one to many. His memory will fortify the bond between those left behind and serve to strengthen our steadfast resolve to provide ongoing support for the health and well-being of our student-athletes."
Noshi was heading into his senior season and expected to be a starting offensive lineman for the Lumberjacks after a Big Sky Honorable Mention season as a junior. The Lumberjacks honored him by starting their season with only 10 offensive players taking the field:
.@NAU_Football takes delay of game penalty with 10 players on offense to start the game in honor of Malik Noshi 🙏 Missouri State declines the penalty. #ClassyMove
The game also opened with a moment of silence in honor of Noshi, while his teammates will wear his No. 65 on their helmets throughout the season, per Lance Hartzler of the Arizona Daily Sun.
Northern Arizona OL Malik Noshi Found Dead in Home at Age 22
Jul 8, 2019
Northern Arizona offensive lineman Malik Noshi (65) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Northern Arizona offensive lineman Malik Noshi died Sunday at the age of 22, the school announced.
"The thoughts and prayers of the entire NAU Athletic Department family go out to Malik's family, friends, teammates and coaches during this time of great sadness," said Mike Marlow, the vice president for intercollegiate athletics. "Coaches and support staff have been reaching out to our football family to ensure our student-athletes have the support they need."
Lumberjacks head coach Chris Ball also commented on the matter:
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Malik Noshi. There is no replacing him as a son, friend and teammate. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Noshi family. We ask that you allow them to grieve in this trying time. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Police in Flagstaff, Arizona, said a friend of Noshi's discovered him not breathing in his home and contacted authorities, per Lance Hartzler of the Arizona Daily Sun. Medical personnel arrived and attempted to revive Noshi. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police are investigating the cause of his death but don't suspect foul play at this time.
Noshi was entering his senior year at Northern Arizona. He became a regular starter as a sophomore in 2017 and made 21 appearances over the past two seasons. The Las Vegas native earned honorable mention for the Big Sky all-conference team in 2018.
