Former UCLA star Brian Price hospitalized after sister’s death

Tampa Bay defensive tackle Brian Price, a former UCLA standout, is once again dealing with heartbreak.

His older sister, Bridget, 30, died last week as a result of a car accident in Inglewood. So devastated was Price that he had to be hospitalized in Tampa from Monday through late Thursday after reporting to Buccaneers mini-camp.

“He physically broke down,” said his agent, Chuck Price, who is not related to Brian. “He had a high fever, was dehydrated, and couldn’t hold anything down. That stress just plays a wicked role.”

Price plans to adopt his sister’s sons, ages 7 and 9, and had taken them to their first Dodgers game the night before his sister was killed.

Bridget was the third of the Price siblings to die. Two brothers were killed in shootings.

Price has dealt with several injuries since he was drafted two years ago -- he had a groundbreaking surgery to attach both of this hamstrings to his pelvis -- and last season had a pair of severe high-ankle sprains.

ALSO:

Photos: L.A. Kings 2012 playoff run

Clippers focus on crucial back-to-back wins against Spurs

Saints’ Jonathan Vilma sues Roger Goodell over bounty allegations

Former UCLA star Brian Price hospitalized after sister’s death