Bears' lineman dies with heart condition

GREENWOOD, S.C., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Chicago Bears defensive end Gaines Adams died Sunday morning at a hospital in Greenwood, S.C.

Adams, 26, was taken to the emergency room at Self Regional Hospital and a preliminary autopsy indicated he died of cardiac arrest due to an enlarged heart.

Greenwood County (S.C.) Chief Deputy Coroner Marcia Kelley-Clark told ESPN an enlarged heart often can lead to a heart attack.

Adams went into cardiac arrest at his family's home before he was hospitalized.

"Nobody was aware of any kind of medical condition," said Kelley-Clark, who added that results of toxicology tests probably will not be available for at least two months.

Adams, a Clemson graduate, was the fourth overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played for Chicago this season.

"We are stunned and saddened by the news of Gaines' passing," the Bears said in a statement. "Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time."