Jeana Keough Reveals Matt Keough’s Sudden Cause of Death: A Tragic Loss for Family and Baseball World

In an exclusive and deeply moving interview, Jeana Keough, widely recognized from The Real Housewives of Orange County, has bravely come forward to share the shocking and sudden details surrounding the death of her ex-husband, the legendary baseball player Matt Keough. For the first time, Jeana has unveiled the heartbreaking cause and recounted the final moments of the former Oakland Athletics star to HollywoodLife, shedding light on a tragedy that has left his family and fans in profound sorrow.

Jeana Keough, 64, confirmed the tragic news of Matt Keough’s passing at the age of 64. Speaking EXCLUSIVELY to HollywoodLife on May 8, just six days after his death, Jeana revealed the unexpected cause: “He had a pulmonary embolism.” She further elaborated that this critical health condition involved a blood clot forming in Matt’s lungs. A pulmonary embolism occurs when one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot, often leading to severe and sudden complications. The revelation was particularly devastating for the family of the former Oakland Athletics player, as the health condition struck with no prior warning, underscoring the blindsiding nature of such a medical emergency.

Understanding Pulmonary Embolism: A Silent Threat

A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious medical emergency where a blood clot, typically originating in a deep vein of the leg (known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT), travels through the bloodstream to the lungs. There, it obstructs one of the pulmonary arteries, cutting off blood flow to a section of the lung. This blockage can severely impact the body’s ability to receive oxygen, placing immense strain on the heart and potentially leading to fatal outcomes. While risk factors such as prolonged immobility, surgery, certain medical conditions, and genetic predispositions are recognized, a PE can sometimes occur without any obvious warning signs, making it a particularly insidious and swift cause of death. This sudden onset makes the experience even more traumatic for loved ones, as was the case for Matt Keough’s family.

Matt’s Vibrant Lifestyle and the Unforeseen Impact of Pandemic Inactivity

Jeana emphasized that Matt was not outwardly “sick” leading up to his death. On the contrary, Matt Keough was known for maintaining an incredibly active and healthy lifestyle, a habit deeply ingrained from his professional athletic career. He was a gifted athlete who reveled in the outdoors, accustomed to a vigorous daily routine. “He was used to riding his bike 30 miles a day or 20 miles a day,” Jeana shared, highlighting the stark contrast with his recent circumstances. The onset of the global coronavirus pandemic brought an unprecedented shift, compelling Matt to dramatically alter his routine and largely remain “staying at home.”

While Jeana couldn’t definitively pinpoint what caused the pulmonary embolism, she cautiously speculated that “probably the inactivity” could have been a contributing factor. The sudden cessation of intense daily exercise for someone accustomed to such high levels of activity can indeed pose health risks, including an increased likelihood of blood clot formation due to slowed circulation. The irony of this situation was profound, given Matt’s diligent health practices. “So young and pretty reasonably healthy. That’s a guy who never ate sugar and ate really healthy,” she recounted, still grappling with the unexpected nature of his passing. Furthermore, Jeana confirmed there was “no family history” of the condition, making his sudden death from a pulmonary embolism even more of an inexplicable tragedy for his loved ones. It serves as a stark reminder that even the healthiest individuals can be susceptible to unforeseen medical events, especially when significant and sudden lifestyle changes occur.

The Final Moments: A Cherished Routine Interrupted

The details of Matt Keough’s final moments, as recounted by Jeana, paint a poignant picture of a peaceful afternoon tragically interrupted. The baseball star was simply enjoying a quiet lunch in his living room with his girlfriend, Claudia. His attention was, as usual, fixed on one of his most beloved pastimes: watching horse races. “He was watching the races. His favorite thing to do every day, he would watch the races,” Jeana told HollywoodLife, evoking the sense of a cherished daily ritual. This passion for competitive racing was a deep-rooted tradition, inherited from his own father, MLB star Marty Keough. “It’s his father [MLB star Marty Keough], something he and his father did…[when] Matt was little they would go to the horse races.” Their shared love for the thrill of competition wasn’t limited to horses; “So wherever we would travel, they didn’t have horse races, we would find dog races. He loved watching competitions,” Jeana fondly recalled, illustrating Matt’s enduring zest for life and his connection to family traditions.

The suddenness of the event was chilling. Claudia had briefly left the living room, “for a few minutes,” to attend to something elsewhere in the house. Upon her return, the scene had shifted from one of peaceful normalcy to an unspeakable tragedy. “She thought he might be sleeping and then she realized he wasn’t,” Jeana explained, her words capturing the initial flicker of hope quickly replaced by the crushing weight of realization. This description underscores the silent and swift nature of a pulmonary embolism, which can strike without warning, turning an ordinary moment into an enduring memory of profound loss. The quiet calm of a shared lunch instantly transformed into an unimaginable nightmare for Claudia, leaving an indelible mark on all who heard the story.

A Family Struck by Double Tragedy: Navigating Unfathomable Grief

The Keough-Bosworth family is currently enduring an unimaginable period of sorrow, having faced not one, but two devastating losses in an incredibly short span. Just four days before Matt’s sudden passing, Jeana’s daughter, Kara Bosworth, and son-in-law, Kyle Bosworth, experienced the heartbreaking loss of their second child due to tragic complications during childbirth. This cruel twist of fate has compounded the family’s grief exponentially, creating a period of intense and overlapping mourning. Jeana openly confessed the immense emotional toll this has taken: “You know what to lose a grandchild and an ex husband in less than three weeks — It’s been rough.” Her words articulate the raw and profound pain of a mother and grandmother confronting such an unprecedented wave of personal tragedy.

The impact of this double bereavement has been felt deeply by every member of the family. “They’re all taking it badly,” Jeana shared, referring to the three children she shared with Matt: sons Shane, 33, and Colton, 28, and their daughter, Kara, 32. Kara, who was already grappling with the immense sorrow of losing her newborn, is now burdened with the additional grief of her father’s unexpected death. This dual loss presents an almost unfathomable challenge, forcing the family to navigate intense emotional landscapes on multiple fronts. Their collective strength and support for one another will be crucial as they attempt to process and heal from such overwhelming and consecutive sorrows.

Matt Keough: A Distinguished Career in Major League Baseball

Long before his life intertwined with reality television, Matt Keough forged a significant and respected career in Major League Baseball. As a talented right-hand pitcher, he left an indelible mark on the sport, playing nine seasons in the MLB between 1977 and 1986. Keough spent a notable portion of his career with the Oakland Athletics, where he was a key component of their pitching rotation. His dedication, skill, and competitive spirit earned him a reputation as a formidable presence on the mound. During his tenure with the Athletics, particularly in the late 1970s and early 1980s, he contributed to a memorable era for the team, showcasing the grit and talent that defined him as a player.

Beyond his time with the Athletics, Matt Keough also pitched for other esteemed MLB franchises, including the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, and Chicago White Sox. This journey across multiple teams further solidified his status as a seasoned and reliable pitcher, capable of performing at the highest level of professional baseball. His career highlights include an All-Star selection in 1978 and his instrumental role in the Athletics’ 1981 playoff run, demonstrating his enduring impact on the teams he represented. Matt Keough’s legacy in baseball is one of perseverance, passion, and a deep-seated love for the game that continued to resonate throughout his life.

Life Beyond Baseball: Reality Television Appearances

Following his impressive baseball career, Matt Keough gained a new level of public recognition through his appearances on The Real Housewives of Orange County. Although he and Jeana Keough divorced in 2007 after being married from 1984, Matt remained a recurring figure in her life and, consequently, on the popular reality show. His presence offered viewers an intimate glimpse into the complex dynamics of a modern family navigating post-divorce relationships. These moments often highlighted the challenges of co-parenting adult children, the lingering respect between ex-spouses, and the often-unfiltered realities of their extended family life.

Matt’s calm and composed demeanor on the show often provided a grounding force amidst the typical drama associated with reality television. He was generally portrayed as a supportive ex-husband and a devoted father, showcasing a different side of his personality to an audience largely unfamiliar with his athletic achievements. These appearances, while secondary to his esteemed sports career, nonetheless added another layer to his public persona, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his family and his willingness to support Jeana, even after the dissolution of their marriage. His foray into reality TV ultimately painted a more complete picture of a man whose life was rich with diverse experiences and enduring family ties.

Grief, Remembrance, and Future Plans for a Beloved Figure

In the wake of such profound and consecutive losses, Matt Keough’s family is navigating their grief with thoughtful consideration for remembrance and healing. For the time being, the family has decided to postpone immediate funeral services. “With Matt, we’re waiting. You know, he had to do autopsies and we have sent his brain off to be studied. So we wouldn’t have done a funeral for a few weeks anyway,” Jeana explained. The decision to conduct a comprehensive autopsy and a brain study is a significant step, particularly for a former athlete. Such studies often aim to investigate potential underlying health conditions, including conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. This reflects the family’s deep care and their desire to understand any contributing factors to his sudden passing, offering a measure of closure amidst their sorrow.

The family is carefully planning a memorial event that will truly honor Matt’s life and his enduring passion for baseball. “We’re waiting closer to maybe a week before baseball starts so just baseball friends can be there,” Jeana elaborated. This deliberate timing is intended to allow his numerous friends, teammates, and colleagues from the baseball world to attend and pay their respects, underscoring the immense impact he had within the sports community. Jeana, with her characteristic pragmatism, also shared her personal perspective: “I was never a big fan of funerals anyway.” This candid sentiment reflects the family’s desire to create a commemorative gathering that is meaningful, personal, and celebrates Matt’s vibrant life, rather than adhering strictly to traditional funeral customs, especially in a time where large gatherings remain challenging.

The Enduring Legacy of Matt Keough

Matt Keough’s sudden and unexpected passing leaves an undeniable void, not only for his immediate family but also for the extensive baseball community and his fans worldwide. He was a man defined by his quiet strength, his unwavering passion for his family, his sport, and his cherished daily routines. From his formidable days commanding the pitcher’s mound to his later years enjoying life’s simpler pleasures, Matt Keough lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. His memory will undoubtedly live on through his loving children and grandchildren, through the records he set on the baseball field, and through the heartfelt stories shared by all those whose lives he touched. As his family navigates this period of immense sorrow, they do so with the collective remembrance of a life exceptionally lived, though tragically cut short, leaving behind a profound and lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and be cherished.