Former Pitcher Scurry Dies; Cause Unknown

Rod Scurry, whose promising career as a relief pitcher was cut short by cocaine, died Thursday, one week after a scuffle with sheriff’s deputies left him unconscious in an intensive care unit.

Scurry, 36, died shortly after midnight in Reno, Washoe Medical Center spokeswoman Denise Yoxsimer said. Scurry was in the major leagues from 1980-88.

Coroner Vern McCarty said results of an autopsy were inconclusive and further tests would be needed to determine an exact cause of death.

Neighbors called the sheriff’s department shortly after 1 a.m. on Oct. 29 to report that Scurry was acting strangely, Washoe County undersheriff Dan Coppa said.

When deputies arrived, Scurry was outside, complaining that snakes were in the home, biting and crawling on him, Coppa said.

Deputies said Scurry became agitated and they decided to take him into custody for his own safety and that of his neighbors.

Scurry became violent and stopped breathing when deputies attempted to put on handcuffs and leg restraints, Coppa said.

He was put on life support systems. Doctors said Scurry collapsed from a lack of oxygen to the brain resulting from cardiopulmonary arrest.

Coppa said deputies restraining Scurry did not use any form of choke hold, which is forbidden in the sheriff’s office. The coroner said his autopsy showed no indication of a choke hold.

Scurry was the Pittsburgh Pirates’ No. 1 draft pick in 1974 and made it to the majors in 1980. He remained with the Pirates until April 1984 when he left the team to enter a drug rehabilitation program. He had a history of drug and alcohol problems.