Forensic Pathologist Says He Had A Combination Of Drugs In His System

Former major league baseball pitcher Roy Halladay may have been operating his Icon A5 under the influence of drugs, according to an autopsy report released by the Pinellas-Pasco (FL) Medical Examiner’s Office on Friday.

USA Today Sports indicates that, according to the autopsy, Halladay had high concentrations of morphine and amphetamine along with the presence of an antidepressant, the sleeping aid zolpidem (sold under brand name Ambien) and trace amounts of alcohol in his blood. Forensic expert Burr Hartman told USA Today that the drug combination was "similar to a speedball."

Hartman went on to say that if that was the case, he would have been impaired by the drugs and it "was definitely not safe for him to fly an airplane."

William A. Pellan, the director of investigations for the medical examiner’s office, said that the opiates was likely prescribed for pain, according to the report. Pellan's office is responsible for determining the "cause and manner of death" and any impairment would not up to him to determine.

The NTSB declined to comment for the story other than to say that the investigation is ongoing.

Hartman said that the combination of drugs found in Halladay's blood could have led to cardiac arrest, and also would have impaired his coordination.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original report