Kent State starting center Jason Bitsko died unexpectedly Wednesday, the school announced. Bitsko was found unresponsive in his apartment by his roommate after he failed to show up to practice. He was 21.
Kent State center Jason Bitsko dies at age 21
Bitsko was the Golden Flashes’ starting center.
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School athletic director Joel Nielsen and head football coach Paul Haynes both released statements.
"Kent State University and the entire Kent community mourns his passing," said Joel Nielsen, Kent State's director of athletics. "We are heartbroken by the news of Jason's death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives he touched."
"Our players, coaches and everyone involved with our team are hurting because he was family," said Kent State head football coach Paul Haynes. "As a team, we will come together and get through this one day at a time."
Bitsko, who hailed from Huber Heights, Ohio, was expected to be a starter and a solid player on Kent State’s offensive line.
Hearts are heavy today. The world won't be the same with out you @isthatbitsko #RestEasyBigGuy #WeLoveYou #RIP54 pic.twitter.com/m0NlX63vNJ
— Kent State Equipment (@KSU_EQ) August 20, 2014 His last tweet, from a week ago, is now incredibly sad.
There are 86,400 seconds in a day. Make sure you use one of those to thank god for everything you have #stayfocused
— Baby Elephant (@isthatbitsko) August 14, 2014 See More:
