Autopsy: Lorenzen Wright shot to death

By Kontji Anthony - bio | email

MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV) - Results of the autopsy performed on former NBA star Lorenzen Wright were released Wednesday by the Shelby County Medical Examiner.

The autopsy shows Lorenzen Wright's body was so decomposed that the NBA player, who once stood at 6'11" and weighed 255 pounds, weighed just 57 pounds when cadaver dogs found.  His body was reduced to mostly skeleton and mummified skin in the hundred degree heat.

The autopsy also reveals Wright sustained five gunshot wounds: Two in the skull, two in the area of his heart, and once in his forearm.

Wright's skull had a three-and-a-half by two-and-a-half inch cavity missing from the center of his face, where his nasal and frontal bones were missing.  The sketches show evidence of head trauma: four skull fractures all over his head.

The autopsy says the skull wounds are consistent with two gun shots and bullet fragments.  His two front lower teeth were also missing.

The autopsy says Wright also suffered multiple rib fractures and a fracture to the right shoulder.

With all the decomposition, the autopsy shows Wright's body was identified through his dental records.

The toxicology test found no drugs in Wright's system.  While the medical examiner found ethanol alcohol in his body, that chemical is always present when a body decomposes.

Among the evidence collected on Wright's person: What appeared to be a dog tag necklace, and a white metal watch.  However, investigators did not collect a cell phone or any kind of wallet on Wright's person.

Wright's body was cremated.

Wright had been missing for 10 days when his body was found July 28 in woods in Memphis' outskirts. No arrests have been made, and police haven't offered a motive.

Wright played with five teams during his 13-year NBA career. He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career NBA games.

• http://files.wmctv.com/2010/lorenzenautopsy.pdf

Copyright 2010 WMC-TV. All rights reserved. The AP contributed to this story.