George Atkinson cause of death: what was confirmed and what remains private

There have been no new updates in the last 24 hours. Here’s a clear, respectful summary of what is publicly known about the cause of death for George Atkinson III, the former NFL running back and son of Raiders great George Atkinson II.

What is officially known about George Atkinson’s death

George Atkinson III died on December 2, 2019, at age 27. At the time, the cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Announcements surrounding his passing did not include medical specifics, and no public records detailing an official cause were released in the immediate aftermath.

Mental health context after twin brother Josh’s death

In the year leading up to his death, Atkinson spoke openly about severe grief and depression following the death of his twin brother, Josh Atkinson, who died by suicide on December 25, 2018. In personal reflections during 2019, George described spiraling mental health challenges, including hospitalization, as he navigated that loss. This background is crucial context often cited when his death is discussed, but it did not come with a formal statement of medical cause.

Later medical findings: CTE diagnosis adds context, not a conclusion

Years after his passing, researchers disclosed that both George and Josh Atkinson were posthumously diagnosed with Stage 1 chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repetitive head impacts. The diagnosis helps explain potential contributors to mood and cognitive symptoms that athletes can face, but it does not, by itself, determine a cause of death. CTE findings are informative context and should not be read as an official cause.

Why there’s confusion about “cause of death”

Because the family and officials did not immediately publish a specific cause, later summaries across the sports community focused on two facts: George’s documented mental health struggles after his twin’s death, and the subsequent CTE findings. Some coverage has characterized his death as a suicide; however, without publicly released official records, the most accurate public-facing answer remains that the exact cause was not formally disclosed at the time. Any definitive label beyond that relies on secondary characterizations rather than an official public report.

Key timeline for George Atkinson III

• December 25, 2018: Josh Atkinson dies by suicide.

• 2019: George Atkinson shares his struggles with grief and mental health.

• December 2, 2019: George Atkinson III dies at 27; no official cause is publicly released.

• Subsequent years: Researchers announce posthumous Stage 1 CTE diagnoses for both brothers, which provides medical context but not a formal cause of death.

If your question is strictly, “What was George Atkinson’s cause of death?” the most faithful public answer is: No official cause of death was publicly disclosed at the time. Discussions since then have highlighted his significant mental health challenges after his twin’s death and later CTE findings, which offer important context but do not replace an official cause.