The NFL Network announced the heartbreaking news, revealing that the 36-year-old athlete succumbed to injuries sustained in a construction accident in Florida.
Williams’ agent, Hadley Engelhard, shared a solemn update through a statement to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. Engelhard disclosed that Williams had been “injured while performing electrical work” and expressed deep sorrow at the loss. He also acknowledged Williams’ resilience throughout his life, remarking, “He will be missed. He fought hard his whole life. Prayers to his family.”
The incident that led to Williams’ injuries reportedly occurred on August 21 while he was working in Hillsborough County, Florida. Witnesses recounted a steel beam falling and striking Williams on the head, resulting in the tragic turn of events.
Tierney Lyle, the mother of Williams’ eight-year-old daughter, provided an emotional update to WIVB4 in Buffalo, revealing that Williams had been placed on life support but was still responsive. She called for continued prayers and support, emphasizing that Williams faced a formidable battle.
Close friends of the former Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers player shared insights with the New York Post, shedding light on the incident’s severity. Initially, the on-site accident was not believed to be fatal, but complications arose when the injury became infected. This ultimately led to Williams being induced into a coma, a dire turn of events.
Contrary to some earlier reports, Williams did not pass away a week ago. However, the situation remained incredibly critical.
A GoFundMe campaign organized by Latrina Moore featured a message from Williams’ father, Wendell Muhammad, who revealed that the steel beam impact had caused “massive head injury, creating swelling in his brain and swelling on his spinal cord that … ruptured.”
Williams had an impactful career, notably playing for the Buccaneers and Bills from 2010 to 2014. During his time with the Tampa Bay team, he started 52 out of 54 games and earned recognition as the runner-up in the 2010 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, narrowly trailing former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Sam Bradford.
Mike Williams leaves behind a grieving family, including a 10-year-old son named Mike Jr., an eight-year-old daughter named Mya, and her mother Tierney Lyle, as they mourn the loss of a beloved athlete and father.