ORONO (NEWS CENTER Maine)-- The University of Maine has released the name of the 18-year-old student athlete who collapsed and died during a preseason football workout on Tuesday afternoon.
Darius Minor of Locust Grove, Virginia collapsed on the field at approximately 1:15 p.m. The University says staff members and medical personnel tried to revive him but were unsuccessful.
In high school, Minor played cornerback and wide receiver for Orange County High School and was first team all-conference. His University of Maine player biography says he led his high school team to three straight playoff appearances and was a team captain.
On his Twitter account, Minor expressed how blessed he felt to be playing football for the Black Bears this season. He also thanked the school for giving him the opportunity to continue playing football.
The University says the news is devastating and called Minor a bright and promising member of the community. Officials also say the school extends its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and asks that their privacy be respected.
“The Athletics Department, our student-athletes and the entire campus mourn the loss of this bright and promising member of our community. We ask all to keep him, his family and his friends in your thoughts through this painful time,” says UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.
Athletics is devastated by this terrible incident. We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and ask that their privacy UMaine“be respected,” says UMaine Athletics Director James Settele.
Information on the cause of Minor’s death has not yet been released.