In documents obtained on June 21, the 40-year-old former San Diego Chargers star died of 'hypertensive heart disease,' with obesity as a contributing factor. His manner of death has been determined to be natural.
The NFL team confirmed Olivea's death the following day in a statement, stating that he passed away on March 2.
A tribute was paid to the former Chargers lineman by the team. They were able to recall when Olivea was first chosen to join the Chargers and the legacy he leaves behind.
According to the statement released on March 3, 'Olivea was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft as the No. 209 overall selection'
According to Ohio State's statement. Over the course of four seasons, he started 57 out of 60 games he played for San Diego.'
The NFL's message was further articulated in its statement by recalling Olivea's role as a crucial part of an offensive line that helped Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson break the NFL's single-season touchdown record.'
Olivea was discharged from the Chargers after four years for a painkiller addiction, AP News reports. Following his release from rehab, he joined the New York Giants, but was ultimately cut short by a back injury.
Several NFL players paid tribute to Olivea following his death on social media. Bobby Carpenter, former linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, commented on March 3 that he had 'woken up to the sobering news that @OhioStateFB had lost a great one this morning. Shane Olivea passed away last night.'
Adding to Carpenter's words, 'I will never forget the kindness he demonstrated to a young freshman who was clueless and had no idea how anything worked.'.' #RIPShane No Thankyou.'
Roman Oben, the vice president of the NFL, shared photos of Olivea in his Chargers uniform on social media and tweeted: 'Very sad to hear the news of my former teammate Shane Olivea. Praying for his family today.'
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