TAMPA — Former Bucs receiver Vincent Jackson was laid to rest in a private ceremony Wednesday that included family and a limited number of friends.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated and his ashes will remain with the family, said Allison Gorrell, the executive director of the Jackson In Action 83 Foundation.
Jackson was found dead in a room at the Homewood Suites in Brandon on Feb. 15, where he had been living since January. He was 38.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, members of Jackson’s family called the department to say he was missing. A formal missing person’s report was filed Feb. 11. The next day, deputies located Jackson at the Homewood Suites in Brandon and spoke with him. After assessing his well-being, the case was canceled.
Jackson likely suffered from chronic alcoholism and other health issues, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said during a radio appearance last week. He also said family members have concerns that Jackson may have suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a progressive and fatal disease associated with concussions.
Jackson’s brain has been donated to researchers at Boston University to determine if the three-time Pro-Bowler had CTE.