Oregon State defensive tackle Fred Thompson passed away after suffering a heart attack while playing basketball on Wednesday night, the school confirmed. Thompson was at Dixon Rec Center, participating in a pickup basketball game, when he collapsed on the court. He was transported to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead a short time later.
Fred Thompson Dies After Suffering Heart Attack While Playing Basketball
The full release from Oregon State is as follows.
Oregon State University student-athlete Fred Thompson, a freshman on the OSU football team, died early Wednesday evening in Corvallis.
According to OSU officials, Thompson was playing basketball at Dixon Recreation Center on the OSU campus when he collapsed. He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where he was pronounced dead.
Thompson was a true freshman defensive tackle from Richmond, Calif. He was 19-years-old.
Department of Athletics’ officials say the OSU community sends its thoughts and prayers to Fred’s family.
OSU head football coach Mike Riley was off-campus recruiting and is en route to Corvallis.
Oregon State will hold a press conference in the Gill Coliseum media room at a to-be-announced time Thursday. There will be no media availability Wednesday night.
Sunday would have been Thompson’s 20th birthday. Thoughts go out to everyone affected by Thompson’s passing.
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