What was the cause of Jackie Robinson's death?

Jackie Robinson died of a heart attack on October 24, 1972.

Robinson died at age 53 at his home in Stamford, Connecticut. His death came after years of serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and impaired vision. He had also experienced multiple heart attacks, making cardiovascular illness a major part of his final years.

Diabetes is a common mix-up because Robinson had battled the disease and it affected his health significantly. However, diabetes was not recorded as the immediate cause of death. A stroke and cancer were not the cause either. Robinson's death occurred just over 25 years after his historic Brooklyn Dodgers debut.

His legacy continued after his death. Major League Baseball retired his number 42 throughout the sport in 1997, and April 15 is celebrated annually as Jackie Robinson Day.