Collier Autopsy Points to Heart Problem

[Hawkzzz21]

ATLANTA (AP) -- Investigators suspect Atlanta Hawks center Jason Collier died of a heart problem and will announce their findings Tuesday.

The 28-year-old player died Oct. 15 after he had trouble breathing in his Georgia home.

The autopsy was conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. GBI spokesman John Bankhead says the office performs all Forsyth County autopsies, and Bankhead said this autopsy showed the cause of death to be ``heart-related.''

The corner's office announced a news conference for Tuesday.

``It's a heart abnormality,'' said Collier's agent, Richard Howell. ``It certainly appears to be that. Signs point to that.''

Coroner Lauren McDonald III said his office pulled Collier's medical records from the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks.

The Hawks are wearing permanent black shoulder patches on their uniforms to honor the 7-footer, who was a part-time starter the last two seasons for Atlanta after three years in Houston. He began his college career at Indiana before transferring to Georgia Tech.

The Hawks will leave Collier's uniform in his locker through the season.