(USA TODAY) -- The family of late Colorado Rockies President Keli McGregor issued a statement Monday, saying he died of a rare virus that infected the heart muscle.

McGregor was found dead in a Salt Lake City hotel room April 20 while he was on a business trip with other team executives.

He was 48.

McGregor's family gave details Monday on the cause of his death, saying the virus disrupted the electrical pathways that signal the heart to beat properly.

"The heart muscle might have recovered from the viral attack had these electrical pathways not been destroyed, but the muscle may have been permanently weakened and destined for eventual heart failure," the statement said.

"This infectious process most likely occurred during the last week of Keli's life, causing nothing more than flu-like symptoms."

The statement said McGregor was an advocate for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease, lived an active life and had his cardiovascular status evaluated regularly.

"Like you, we miss Keli every minute of every day," the statement said.

"We're so very grateful for the love and support shown to our family and we wanted to share this information with all of those who, like us, have searched for answers."

McGregor was named Rockies President in October 2001, joining the organization after serving as associate athletics director at the University Arkansas.

The native of Iowa who grew up in suburban Denver was a two-time All-America tight end at Colorado State and was taken in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. He played for the Broncos, Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks before retiring.

Copyright 2010 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.