College Football Player Dead at 21 After Collapsing Mid-Workout

Bryce Stanfield

Furman University is grieving the tragic loss of student athlete Bryce Stanfield, who died this week after suffering a medical emergency in the middle of a workout. He was just 21 years old.

The university shared the sad news with the community on Friday, Feb. 9, revealing in a statement posted to their website that Stanfield had collapsed unexpectedly during a morning workout on Wednesday, Feb. 7. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was placed on life support and later died on Friday afternoon.

"We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce's sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield, and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead," Furman head coach Clay Hendrix said in a statement on Friday.

"There are so many more who are really hurting—namely Bryce's teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends, and the entire Furman community and beyond," Hendrix added, calling Stanfield "an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player, and friend."

"He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community. In every sense he was the best representative we could have."

In addition to his contributions on the football field, Stanfield also served in Furman's Heller Service Corps Men of Distinction and was "an active participant in visiting patients at Greenville Children's Hospital and in reading to children in local schools," the Paladins website states.

Stanfield was conferred his Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences on Friday by Furman President Dr. Elizabeth Davis, where he was surrounded by his friends, family, coaches and teammates.

"The university extends its heartfelt condolences to Bryce’s family and friends in this time of profound loss," President Davis said in a statement. "The entire Furman community is deeply affected at times like these, and it’s important that we offer each other support and seek help if we need it."

"Please take a moment to remember Bryce’s life and all he brought to our community during his time at Furman. May all who knew him find peace and comfort during this difficult time," the statement concluded.

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