A University of Mobile college basketball player died suddenly this week at the age of 18.
Freshman Kaiden Francis died Tuesday after collapsing on campus after working out in the college gym.
Francis was reportedly found unresponsive shortly after receiving weekly skills training with the college’s coaching staff and trainers, according to the Associated Press.
Students and medical staff attempted to care for the 6-foot-2 freshman guard, but despite their valiant attempts, Francis died.
The cause of death is not yet known. Francis recently passed “a series of medical exams, including heart and lung evaluations,” said Cathy Dean, a spokeswoman for the private, Christian-based college in Mobile.
‘Despite the quick and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals, Kaiden did not recover and passed away earlier today. ‘Our hearts are heavy as we process this tragedy,’ President Charles Smith said in a letter to students and faculty.
Kaiden Francis, a freshman on the University of Mobile basketball team, died Tuesday.
My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play last week. He was incredibly talented and clearly loved by his teammates. ‘As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.’
Basketball coach Darnell Arch said Francis, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died after going to the gym.
“Yesterday morning, freshman point guard Kaiden Francis of Fort Lauderdale passed away suddenly after doing what he loved: honing his skills in the gym,” the coach said in a statement on Facebook.
‘Kaiden was only a facade on the court, but you could feel his smile and positive energy from day one.
‘He will be truly missed. I am infinitely grateful to him for keeping me out of my life for the past few months. “My heart breaks for his family, friends and teammates.”
Classes were canceled Wednesday as the University of Mobile mourned the loss with a vigil held on campus.
‘This will be a time for us to encourage Kaiden’s family, our teammates, and each other, and seek God’s comfort, strength, and peace. In a speech to 2,000 students at the university, Smith said of the rally:
