""We are extremely sad to report that Dr. Craig Brigham passed away this morning from what appears to be causes related to an existing medical condition,"" Blair Primis, a spokesperson for OrthoCarolina where Brigham worked, said in a statement. ""Dr. Brigham was an exceptional orthopedic surgeon and was a nationally recognized and well-respected expert in the treatment of spinal disorders over the course of his 29-year-career. We ask that you respect his family's and OrthoCarolina's privacy during this very difficult time.""