Fred Thompson, Freshman Oregon State DT, Dies

Tragedy has struck at Oregon State University.

Fred Thompson, a 19-year-old freshman defensive tackle for the school’s football team, collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday night while playing basketball at the Dixon Rec Center on the OSU campus, according to reports.

“The thoughts and prayers of Beaver Nation are with Fred’s family,” read a statement on the athletics home page.

The school said in the statement that Thompson, who was from Richmond, California, was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital after collapsing where he was pronounced dead about 7 p.m. PT.

No other details were immediately released, but the school said a press conference would be held on Thursday.

Described as a lighthearted player by coaches and teammates alike, Thompson called himself a jokester during an April 14 interview on the Oregon State athletics website.

“I’m a goofball, so I am always dancing,” Thompson said. “I can dance really well. I can juggle. I am a music guy, but I like making beats. Two of my teammates and I actually recorded a song last year. I just do it for fun when I have spare time — I really enjoy doing it.”

Following the news of Fred’s death, many OSU players took to social media to offer condolences, including Sean Martin, a sophomore cornerback, who wrote:

“In shock… miss u Fred R.I.P. I’m going to accomplish that plan we made bro. I promise.”

Thompson would have been 20 years old this weekend.

via USA Today