More sad details have emerged from the death of Garrett Uekman on Sunday morning, with reports now saying that the 19-year-old was in cardiac arrest when responders showed up at his dorm room. When Uekman was last seen alive, around 10:15 a.m. this morning, he was reportedly in good health according a roommate. He was found an hour later and taken to Washington Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:10 p.m.
Garrett Uekman In Cardiac Arrest When Responders Arrived
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino released a statement on Uekman's passing, calling the redshirt freshman tight end "a special member of our family."
“Garrett Uekman was a special member of our family, and we are all saddened by his passing,” Petrino said. “His loss is a terrible shock, and it makes you realize how precious life is. Garrett was a great teammate and loved being a Razorback. My sympathies are with his entire family during this incredibly trying time, and I share in their grief. Our team will honor and show our respect to Garrett.”
Uekman’s head coach at Little Rock Catholic High School also spoke, expressing his shock upon hearing the news.
“I was just stunned,” said Ellis “Scooter” Register, who was Little Rock Catholic’s head coach when Uekman played at the school. “I didn’t get up out of my chair for 30 minutes. ...
“It just goes to show you how really fragile life is. We can’t take anything for granted. He was so young, vibrant and strong. He had his whole future in front of him.”
Uekman’s family released a statement through the University of Arkansas, as well, calling for prayers in the wake of their loved one’s untimely death.
“Our son was living his dream of going to the U of A and playing football for the Razorbacks. He loved his school, his coaches, and his teammates and classmates, and was an influence and inspiration to so many people. We ask for your love and prayers for Garrett, our family and his friends as we all cope with this heavy and painful loss. Meanwhile, we ask for respect and privacy during this time of grief.”
Get more details and track the latest updates on this tragedy with SB Nation’s Garrett Uekman StoryStream. For more on this story and perspective from Arkansas fans, visit SB Nation’s Razorbacks blog Arkansas Expats.
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