The San Diego Union-Tribune
February 19. 2003
Section: Sports

Ephedrine connection?

Athlete deaths that could be related to ephedrine, commonly found in dietary supplements and weight-loss products:

Steve Bechler
Baltimore pitcher
Age: 23
Died: Feb 17, 2003
Cause: Heatstroke
Potential connection: Although toxicology results will not be available for at least two weeks, Bechler is said to have taken three tablets each morning of Xenadrine RFA-1, a weight-loss drug that contains ephedrine.

Korey Stringer
Minnesota Vikings lineman
Age: 27
Died: Aug. 1, 2001
Cause: Heatstroke
Potential connection: Although toxicology reports found no ephedrine in Stringer's bloodstream, team officials found bottles of an ephedra supplement in his locker.

Rashidi Wheeler
Northwestern defensive back
Age: 22
Died: Aug. 3. 2001
Cause: Exercise-induced bronchial asthma
Potential connection: Three of Wheeler's teammates had supplements in their lockers that contained ephedrine, and Northwestern contends Wheeler's use of the supplements contributed to his death. A medical examiner found traces of ephedrine in his system, but said it played no role in his death.

Devaughn Darling
Florida State linebacker
Age: 18
Died: Feb. 26, 2001
Cause: Cardiac arrhythmia
Potential connection: Autopsy results were inconclusive, but showed the presence of ephedrine, believed to have been ingested through an over-the-counter cold medication.

Curtis Jones
U.S. Inside Football League
Age: 34
Died: Aug. 7, 2001
Cause: Heart attack
Potential connection: An autopsy determined a pre-existing heart condition was exacerbated by his use of dietary supplements containing ephedrine, traces of which were found in his blood stream.