Ty Pickens, 21, grandson of billionaire T. Boone Pickens, died on January 29 of causes yet to be determined. Pickens, a junior at Texas Christian University, was reportedly found by a friend at his off-campus condo, who took him to Baylor All Saints Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
In a statement, the Pickens family asked for privacy.
Ty’s loss at such a young age is an unspeakable family tragedy for the entire Pickens family and his many friends. We mourn his passing and respectfully request that the family be allowed to grieve in private in this time of sorrow.
On Wednesday, there was talk that Pickens' death could be the result of a drug overdose. A source told NBC 5 that Pickens was under the influence of heroin and Xanax the night of his death.
The tree-lined campus of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth has previously been the site of widespread drug use.
In February 2012, police raided the campus and arrested around 20 students for participating in an organized drug ring that involved the sale of marijuana, cocaine and ecstasy.
The raid included the arrest of four football players, but not starting quarterback Casey Pachall. However in October 2012, Pachall entered rehab after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Pachall, who has successfully completed rehab and is once again enrolled at TCU, admitted to using cocaine and ecstasy.
Dr. Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for TCU student affairs, offered her condolences to the Pickens family through the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the loss of this member of our community and our hearts and thoughts are with Ty's family at this time. Staff members are available if students need to speak with someone about this sad news.
Ty Pickens, 21, died on January 29.
Rodeo Goat's Big Tex Burger. Photo courtesy of Rodeo Goat 