Hutts' death caused by morphine toxicity


The Atlanta Journal-Constitutio
Published on: 05/04/08

Georgia Tech pitcher Michael Hutts' untimely death was caused by morphine toxicity, the Fulton County Medical Examiner's office confirmed.

Medical Examiner Randy Hanzlick declined Sunday to elaborate on details of the toxicology report. Hutts was found lying in his bed April 11 by his roommate, Ryan Tinkoff, who told police the athlete's right arm was "a purplish color."

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According to the police report, Tinkoff said his Yellow Jacket teammate had been drinking alcohol at around 8 p.m. on April 10. Later that evening, an acquaintance known to use heroin — "possibly with Mr. Hutts," the report said — arrived at their apartment.

Tinkoff told investigators Hutts' eyes were dilated before he went to bed.

Morphine toxicity can result from any opium-derived narcotic, such as heroin, morphine or a variety of pills, according to the Web site Answers.com.

Hutts' parents could not be reached for comment Sunday. In an earlier interview, his father said he had suspected his son's drug use.

"If the knowledge that he made a mistake —- if that's what turns out to have been, helps somebody, " Mark Hutts said, "I do wish that for other families."

Dean Buchan, Georgia Tech's sports information director, said the university is awaiting a copy of the toxicology report before issuing a statement.

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