Ex-NFL linebacker Parys Haralson died from stroke, coroner's office rules

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office ruled that former NFL player Parys Haralson died from a stroke, according to a copy of the autopsy report obtained by Paste BN Sports.

Haralson, 37, died at his home in San Jose, California on Sept. 13.

The coroner's office determined that the nine-year NFL veteran suffered a stroke caused by a "rupture of (a) cerebrovascular malformation" – a blood vessel or vessels in the brain that formed abnormally or became tangled. The manner of death is listed as "natural."

Haralson spent seven of his nine NFL seasons with the San Francisco 49ers before being traded to the New Orleans Saints, where he played parts of two seasons. He later worked as the 49ers' director of player engagement for two years.

"The 49ers are heartbroken and shocked by the news of Parys' tragic passing," the 49ers said in a statement shortly after his death. "Parys was a beloved member of our organization that lived life with an extraordinary amount of passion and joy, while leaving an indelible mark on everyone he came across. We extend our condolences to Parys' family and loved ones."

Born in Mississippi, Haralson helped lead Madison Central High School to a state championship in 1999 before enrolling at Tennessee, where he was selected as a team captain during his senior year.

"He’s just one of my favorite people," his high school coach Mike Justice told The Clarion-Ledger, which is part of the Paste BN Network, in September.

"He is just one of the best. Take away the football and you still have an honor student. ... I mean he was the real deal and everyone that crossed his path knew that."

The 49ers selected Haralson in the fifth round of the 2006 NFL draft. He went on to start 118 games in the league and record 28 sacks.

While not listed as a contributing factor in his death, Haralson's football career is mentioned in the autopsy report. It notes that he had a "history of multiple concussions" sustained during his NFL career.

Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.