FAYETTEVILLE, AK--One day after earning a 44-17 victory over Mississippi State, the Arkansas Razorbacks are now mourning the death of freshman tight end Garrett Uekman. Uekman was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center.
Garrett Uekman was 19 years old.
The Arkansas Razorbacks have announced a Monday night candle light vigil in his memory. Grief counselors have been made available to Razorbacks players by the school.
Uekman was discovered unresponsive in his dorm at 11:15 am Sunday, not long after being spotted playing video games and apparently healthy. He was pronounced dead at 12:10 pm after suffering cardiac arrest.
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino released a statement on Uekman's passing. "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. 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."
SOURCE: SB Nation