Andy Reid is taking a leave from absence from the Eagles after his son, Garrett, was found dead in a Lehigh dorm room Sunday morning.
The 29-year-old Garrett was the oldest of Reid’s five children. Lehigh University chief of police Ed Shupp said there was no sign of foul play. Officers received a 911 call around 7:20 a.m., but they couldn’t revive Garrett.
“Upon arrival it was observed that attempts were made to revive the individual and it was unsuccessful,” Shupp said. “The individual, Garrett Reid, was deceased upon the officer’s arrival.”
Shupp added that there was no “suspicious activities.” However, the case has been turned over to Northampton County coroner Zachary Lysek.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman broke the news to the media in an impromptu press conference. He offered only an opening statement and took no questions from reporters. Andy Reid wasn’t at practice and unavailable for comment.
“Our hearts go out to Andy, [wife] Tammy, [sons] Britt, Spencer, [daughters] Crosby and Drew Ann,” Roseman said. “Coach has spent the morning informing his family. We ask sincerely that you respect the family’s privacy during this time.”
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie cancelled his media availability. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo will split head coaching duties until Reid returns. The team opens the preseason Thursday night against the Steelers.
On Sunday, players expressed sorrow for their head coach’s loss. Before the morning walk-through the entire team paused for a group prayer.
DeSean Jackson tweeted, “My blessings go out to the Reid family. We lost a close 1 this morning.”
“R.I.P. Garrett Reid. Man this is so messed up,” tweeted Brandon Graham.
Garrett had been working with the Eagles as an assistant to strength and conditioning coach Barry Rubin. He and his younger brother, Britt, were arrested in 2007 and served prison time on drug charges. They had also undergone court-ordered rehab, but both brothers had reportedly turned their lives around.
“I’ve been with Andy a long time,” Roseman said. “He’s always been strong for us. We’re going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we’re all hurting.”
