The death of a well-known former football star who later acted on TV and in films was due to a popular diet drug, reports ABCNews.com.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office ruled that Bubba Smith, 66, died from an overdose of the diet drug phentermine, the story says. An expert quoted by ABC News notes that the results suggest Smith’s death came after he consumed multiple pills rapidly, the piece adds.

Too much of the drug can cause irregular heartbeats and cause the body to overheat, the piece notes.

Smith, known for playing Moses Hightower in the "Police Academy" movies, was found dead in his Los Angeles home in August. He also acted on episodes of "Married … with Children" and on "Good Times," among other shows.