Freshman NCAA football player dies after collapsing during pre-season workout
Darius Minor was an 18-year old with the world seemingly in front of him.
A freshman defensive back at the University of Maine, Minor was immersed in the third week of the Early Freshman Workout program for the Black Bears newcomers.
From his latest tweet, Darius was loving every minute of it.
I’m coming for everything this year ✔️ pic.twitter.com/9fE34MUKFl
— Darius Minor (@dariusminor11) July 23, 2018
But that promise came to a tragic halt Tuesday when Minor died after collapsing about 15 minutes into a light workout with the team.
The weather was hot, but not excessive, in the low 80s.
At this point, there’s no explanation for what caused Minor’s death, but this tragedy has rocked the university to its core.
“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,” said school president Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a statement.
“UMaine Athletics is devastated. We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected,” added interim athletics director James Settele.
Minor was a four-year starter at Orange County High School in Virginia, earning All-Central Virginia first-team wide receiver and second-team defensive back honors.
Last season, he led the district with 57 receptions for 763 yards and 13 touchdowns.
“Words cannot express the grief we have following this tragic loss,” said Maine head coach Joe Harasymiak. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Darius’ family and friends during this terrible time.”
Lee Goldberg, of WCSH-TV in Portland, Maine, gathered some information he shared on Twitter.
. @UMaineCoachH says he spoke with Darius' mother this morning and calls her an amazingly "strong woman"
— LEE GOLDBERG (@TVLeeG) July 25, 2018
Coach Harasymiak said Minor couldn’t wait to get started on his college career.
.@UMaineCoachH says of Darius Minor: "This was a dream come true for him and it's where he wanted to be"
— LEE GOLDBERG (@TVLeeG) July 25, 2018
Apparently, Minor wasn’t feeling well before practice.
According to @UMaineCoachH , Darius Minor said he "felt like he was going to pass out", just before collapsing.
— LEE GOLDBERG (@TVLeeG) July 25, 2018
The coach added that nobody will wear Minor’s No. 39 for the next four years, which is quite a tribute for a player who never actually suited up for the school.
UMaine head football coach Joe Harasymiak says of 18-year-old Darius Minor who collapsed and died yesterday at practice: "No one else in the next 4 years will wear #39. That's his. That number's his and that's the only decision that's been made on that."
— Alex Acquisto (@AcquistoA) July 25, 2018
It shows that even in just 18 years of life, Minor left a legacy, and never forgot where he came from.
When he committed to @BlackBearsFB, Darius Minor made a point of thanking his freshman football coach for being the first to recognize he had the talent to play at the next level. Such a loss. I’m sorry I never got to meet Darius or call his name in a broadcast.
— Rich Kimball (@DowntownRichK) July 24, 2018
Darius was a political science major at Maine, and was taking a summer class in addition to his early workouts.
The school is investigating what caused this terrible tragedy.
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