Former Braves P Tommy Hanson died from cocaine, alcohol use
Former Atlanta Braves pitcher Tommy Hanson died from delayed complications of cocaine and alcohol toxicity, reports the Associated Press. The cause of death was ruled an accident, according to the Coweta County coroner.
Hanson was taken to the hospital on Nov. 9 with organ failure. He was reportedly in a coma and died later that night at the age of 29.
Hanson, once considered a top pitching prospect, made his major league debut with the Braves in 2009, going 11–4 with a 2.89 ERA in 21 starts. After three solid seasons in Atlanta, he posted a 4.48 ERA in 2012, and was placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain.
He was then traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for reliever Jordan Walden the following off-season. Hanson had a career-worst 5.42 ERA in 13 starts in 2013 and was released after the season.
Hanson then spent time with the Rangers and White Sox. He most recently pitched in the minor leagues for the San Francisco Giants before his removal from the 40-man roster in early November.