Irv Cross cause of death: Diagnosis reveals former NFL star suffered from Stage 4 CTE

Famous NFL cornerback and sportscaster Irv Cross passed away back in February 2021. His wife, Liz Cross, revealed that the former Philadelphia Eagles star had ischemic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease that ultimately led to his death.

Cross was placed in hospice care during his final days. He also suffered from Dementia, which is believed to have been caused by concussions he endured after taking constant hits to the head during his NFL days.

Now, according to a recent report, it wasn't just dementia that he suffered from due to constant tackles. The player who had donated his brain to the Boston University Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center has found that he suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as well.

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Irv Cross suffered from an advanced stage of CTE

Boston University researchers revealed that Irv Cross, who was 81 when he passed away, suffered from stage 4 CTE.

Cross is among many NFL superstars who have been diagnosed with the disease. It causes side effects such as depression, mood swings, memory loss, and aggressive behavioral traits.

During a recent report released by the university, of the 376 former NFL players studied by them, 345 were diagnosed with CTE (91.7% of the total sample). It is important to note that a definitive diagnosis of CTE can only be made post-mortem. However, symptoms of the disease can be seen early on.

Jovan Belcher, Colt Brennan, and Demaryius Thomas are just some among hundreds of former NFL players who were diagnosed with the disease post their death.