FBI confirms death of fugitive ex-quarterback

The death of a former NFL quarterback who avoided arrest on multiple warrants by absconding to Greece has been confirmed, authorities said today.

Even though William "Jeff" Komlo, 52, of Chester Springs, had been reported as the victim of a fatal car crash Saturday in Athens, Chester County officials said they wanted to make sure Komlo hadn't faked his demise.

County detectives said they learned today that the FBI had confirmed Komlo's identity through fingerprint records.

Komlo, who played in the early 1980s for the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, had been sought by authorities after he failed to appear for sentencing in May 2005 on two drunken-driving convictions in Chester County.

A former University of Delaware All-American, Komlo also was a no-show for a preliminary hearing in Uwchlan District Court on assault charges. In addition, police in two states wanted to talk to him about suspicious fires.

In 2004, a waterfront home that Komlo owned in West Palm Beach, Fla., burned to the ground; a warrant was issued for Komlo on arson charges last April, court records said. In 2005, police reported that a set fire had occurred at Komlo's residence in Chester Springs; no charges have been filed in connection with that blaze.

Contact staff writer Kathleen Brady Shea at 610-696-3815 or kbrady@phillynews.com.