Gaines Adams DEAD: Dies At 26 From Possible Heart Attack

UPDATE: BNO News confirms that a heart attack caused fatal cardiac arrest.

Gaines Adams is dead at the age of 26, according to reports. The Bears defensive end was the fourth overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2007 NFL Draft.

The Greenville News reports that Adams was pronounced dead at a Greenwood County, South Carolina hospital.

Adam Schefter and Jason La Canfora have tweeted that an enlarged heart caused cardiac arrest. According to Roy Philpott at Scout.com, Adams "is believed to have passed away in his sleep from a heart attack."

Adams, a standout sack machine at Clemson, was seen as a disappointment in Tampa Bay after being viewed as a crucial part of the team's pass rush. He was traded to the Bears last October.

Adams is the second NFL player to die in the past month. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry died on December 17 after falling out of a moving pickup truck.

The Bears issued the following statement:

“We are stunned and saddened by the news of Gaines’ passing. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”