Coroner: Former Badgers player died of pnuemonia at 24

In March of this year, the Wisconsin Badgers community was hit with devastating news when former tight end Jack Pugh passed away at the age of 24. His death was attributed to pneumonia and cardiomyopathy with hepatosplenomegaly, natural causes while he was at home in Ohio. Pugh, a highly recruited player entering the Badgers in 2021, made his debut in the season's final game against Minnesota in 2022.

However, he chose to medically retire in December of 2023, citing both physical and mental health issues as the primary reasons. In a statement on Instagram, Pugh explained, "My physical health was not near perfect, but my mental health was the reason I decided to hang it up." He described years of depression and substance abuse, admitting that football had become a distraction from his own well-being.

Pugh's decision to retire was a move towards seeking a better, happier life. Following his passing, Wisconsin's football team expressed their grief on X, stating that Pugh was a positive presence, a genuine spirit within the football program, and one who deeply cared for people. They also noted that Pugh graduated from UW-Madison in 2025, a testament to his resilience and determination.