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Former Hawaii football star Vince Manuwai died of ecstasy poisoning, medical examiner says

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Jacksonville Jaguars guard Vince Manuwai (67) pulls to block against Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (33) during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Fla., in 2010.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s office said Monday that the cause of death of former University of Hawaii football standout Vince Manuwai was acute ecstasy intoxication.

Another significant factor was recent cocaine use, and his death was ruled an accident, the office said.

Manuwai, 38, died Nov. 4 after collapsing while completing a move into an apartment in Kakaako.

The UH football team honored him with a green No. 65 on its helmets during a game on Nov. 17. A pregame ceremony including a moment of silence was held at midfield with his friends and family.

A 1999 Farrington High graduate, Manuwai was widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in UH football history and did not allow a sack in his final 35 UH games.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Manuwai in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played eight seasons with the Jaguars and was on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad in 2012.

Manuwai is survived by six children.

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