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Jack McCaffery is the lead sports columnist for the Daily Times and delcotimes.com. He has spent several decades covering everything from the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers and Sixers, to college hoops, to high school sports in Delco.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

ANDY REID'S SON FOUND DEAD, POLICE CONFIRM


By JACK McCAFFERY


@JackMcCaffery

BETHLEHEM --- Garrett Reid, the 29-year-old son of Eagles coach Andy Reid, was found dead in a Lehigh University room early Sunday morning, according to police.

“This is a tough morning for the Eagles family,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “Garrett grew up with this team and that's what makes this news even harder.”

According to Lehigh University police chief Edward Shupp, there was “no suspicious activity.”

Garrett Reid had been working as a strength coach with the Eagles at their Lehigh training camp. He was the oldest of five children of Andy and Tammy Reid.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, who was scheduled to meet the press Sunday, canceled his annual state of the franchise address.

“What I can tell you is that this morning we were contacted by the Lehigh University police department to respond to the discovery of a deceased male,” said Northampton County coroner Zachary Lysek. “We are conducting an investigation in cooperation with the Lehigh campus police department. I personally pronounced Mr. Reid deceased at the scene. The investigation will be ongoing and at this point it will be pending the completion of the investigation.”

Andy Reid was not at a morning walk-through practice, with the Eagles confirming a personal issue. Prior to the practice the Eagles were seen gathering in prayer.

Police said they had responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding an unresponsive male at approximately 7:20 a.m. Sunday.

“Upon arrival, we received confirmation that attempts to revive the individual were unsuccessful,” Shupp said. “Garrett Reid was deceased upon the officers' arrival.”

After a brief press briefing, in which no questions were permitted, Roseman was seen breaking down in tears.

“Coach has spent the morning informing his family,” the general manager said. “We ask sincerely that you respect the family’s privacy during this time. The team has been informed of this news, as has Jeffrey and Christina (Lurie).

“From a football perspective, I can tell you Andy has asked that we go forward with training camp. On a personal note, we’ve been with Andy for a long time. He’s always been strong for us. We’re going to be strong for him right now. As a father and a friend, we’re all hurting.”

In 2007, Garrett Reid was arrested following a traffic accident in Plymouth Township for charges including heroin possession. Later, he was found to have smuggled drugs into the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. He was sentenced at the time to up to 23 months in jail. In a related incident at that same time, Britt Reid, his brother, also received a 23-month jail sentence.

“The news is heartbreaking for everyone in the Eagles family,” Lurie said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to Andy, his wife, Tammy, and their children.”

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