Former Braves Pitcher Tommy Hanson Dies at 29

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Former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson has passed away. The team confirmed the sad news via Twitter early Tuesday morning. 

 

 

Atlanta Braves President John Schuerholz issued the following statement Tuesday: 

"We are incredibly saddened to learn of Tommy's tragic passing. He was a favorite in the clubhouse and with our staff and he will truly be missed by everyone in Braves Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family and former teammates and friends." 

"Big Red," as he was called, played most of his five MLB seasons with the Braves.

According to a family friend, Hanson was admitted to the hospital on Sunday. Some of his former Braves teammates were at his bedside at Piedmont Hospital when he died overnight of organ failure.

 

 

Hanson spent his final MLB season in Los Angeles with the Angels. He was 29-years-old. 

 

 

Sheriff: Nothing Suspicious in Death of Tommy Hanson

The top investigator into the death of former Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson is trying to set the record straight.

Coweta County Sheriff Mike Yeager said there was nothing at the scene, nor were there any statements made to suggest anything suspicious in Hanson's death. He added that the homeowner and those present have been very cooperative with law enforcement.

A woman called 911 after they found Hansen unresponsive. Yeager said they performed chest compressions, but was disconnected from the operator. EMS eventually arrived at the home.

Yeager said it is standard procedure in a reported death to send a deputy to the scene regardless of any suspicious circumstances being present.

The sheriff said his office is waiting for medical and toxicology reports to determine if Hanson’s death requires further investigation. He said his investigators do not speculate on a cause of death and a statement by the deputy in his initial report reading "overdose" was completely speculative. He said he will talk with the deputy on Wednesday for clarification, but he said nothing in that report in the way of evidence or statements would lead them to draw a conclusion as to the cause of death.

The coroner's office also added that no autopsy has been performed and no cause of death has been offically ruled.