PULLMAN — Nearly one month after Bryce Beekman died in his Pullman apartment, the Whitman County Coroner’s Office confirmed the Washington State football player’s death was accidental and resulted from the “acute intoxication” of two drugs.
According to a media release from Coroner Annie Pillers, Beekman’s death stemmed from combining fentanyl, a powerful opioid pain reliever, and promethazine, commonly used for allergic reaction relief.
No other details were provided by the coroner’s office.
Beekman, a starting senior safety for WSU from Baton Rouge, La., died in Pullman on March 23, just days before the Cougars were scheduled to begin spring camp, which was canceled due to COVID-19.
Pullman Police reported to a call from Beekman’s residence at 5:44 p.m. that alleged the 22-year-old was suffering from breathing problems. By the time responders arrived to the apartment, Beekman was already dead.
Originally, the Whitman County Coroner’s Office anticipated it would take two to three months to determine the cause of death, but the process was expedited and took just 31 days to complete.
In a statement released via WSU, the Beekman family alluded to having “many outstanding questions” even after the cause of death was confirmed.
“We are working closely with the Pullman Police to get our questions answered and ultimately help prevent this from happening again to anyone else’s son or daughter,” the statement read.
According to the CDC website, fentanyl is 50 to 100 more times potent than morphine and often prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges.
WSU also released its own statement Friday afternoon, reacting to the news from the coroner’s office: “We are aware of the Whitman County Coroner’s report regarding Bryce’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Bryce’s family, friends and teammates. We continue to support all of our student-athletes in this difficult time.”
