Heart attack ruled in Duplessis' death

Published Feb. 13, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Louisiana Tech officials say the family of Tyrone Duplessis has released information showing the former Bulldogs running back died from a massive heart attack.

According to his father, George Duplessis Jr., Duplessis completed a workout on Feb. 1 before returning to his off-campus apartment in Ruston. He spent the evening at dinner with his fiancee. Early the next morning, George Duplessis says his son sprung up in bed, pounded himself in the chest and fell backward.

Emergency responders tried to revive the 21-year old and transported him to an area hospital before 5 a.m. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The university said Monday that toxicology reports came back negative for drugs or alcohol.

Funeral services were held Saturday in New Orleans. A public memorial also was held at Tech.