Lucas Died of Blunt Force Trauma

An autopsy has determined that Avenger lineman Al Lucas died of blunt force trauma to his upper spinal cord, Brenda Shafer, a spokesman for the coroner’s office, said Thursday.

Lucas, 26, suffered the injury while making a tackle on a kickoff during an April 10 Avenger game against the New York Dragons at Staples Center. He was carried from the field on a stretcher and was pronounced dead at California Hospital Medical Center a short time later.

The official cause of death was delayed nearly two months as a series of tests were processed.

A trust fund has been established to aid Lucas’ wife and daughter. Donations can be sent to the Al Lucas Trust at the Arena Football Players’ Assn., 2021 L St. NW, Washington, DC 20036.

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-- Chris Foster