Ronnie Hillman cause of death: How did the former Broncos RB die?

Ronnie Hillman, a former NFL running back, lost his fight to a rare type of liver cancer on Wednesday, according to his family. Hillman was a member of the 2015 Broncos Super Bowl 50 victory squad.

Ronnie Hillman was 31 years old and his family has confirmed on social media that the star running back passed away quietly and peacefully.

A statement with Hillman's picture was posted on his Instagram account on December 22, revealing the news of his demise. The caption on the post read-

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr. Ronnie quietly and peacefully transitioned today in the company of his family and close friends.

We as the family appreciate the prayers and kind words that have already been expressed. We ask that you would give us time to process our feelings as we prepare to lay our precious RJ to rest.”

After receiving ineffective therapy for a rare form of cancer with which he was diagnosed in August, Hillman entered hospice care this week.

According to a family statement posted to the same account earlier Friday, Hillman had renal medullary carcinoma, “a rare but highly aggressive neoplasm form of cancer that primarily affects young African Americans with sickle cell trait.”

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Ronnie Hillman's achievements and timeline

New England Patriots v Denver Broncos

Before being selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round (No. 67 overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft, Hillman, a product of Compton, California, ran for 3,243 yards and 36 touchdowns over two seasons at San Diego State University.

Ronnie Hillman thrived in 2015, helping Denver reach the Super Bowl after accumulating 982 yards and five touchdowns in his first three seasons.

The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

That season, he rushed for 863 yards and seven touchdowns and appeared in all three Broncos postseason games, including the Super Bowl.

While playing against the Minnesota Vikings in early October 2015, he scored a 72-yard touchdown run that was then the fourth-longest in team history. Soon after, he won the starting role and started the season's last 10 games.

He played for the Vikings, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys in 2016 after spending the previous four seasons with the Broncos. With 1,976 running yards and 13 total career touchdowns, Hillman had a successful NFL career.

Ronnie Hillman was inducted into the San Diego State Athletics Hall of Fame class last year.