Blood Disorder May Have Contributed to AJ Jewell's Death

According to the preliminary autopsy reports, AJ Jewell, may have died not from the fight he had with a co-worker, but by an underlying medical condition.

Dr. Kelly Rose of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office tells E! AJ may have suffered from the blood disorder sickle-cell anemia.

"Preliminary results are suggestive of [sickle-cell]," said Rose. "The altercation played a role in that, and his underlying disease process contributed to his overall demise. In certain states of stress, the red cells actually become deformed. They deliver oxygen to all parts of your body, but when they have this sickle shape, there’s a backup or plug-in that happens. It's especially bad in your lungs."

Sickle-cell anemia is a lifelong disorder that affects red blood cells. According to the medical examiner, the condition may have restricted the body's oxygen supply and exacerbated his injuries.

Frederick Richardson has been charged with manslaughter. He has maintained that AJ started the fight and was alive after the scuffle.

The final report will state the official cause of death and all contributing factors.

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