Arkansas TE Garrett Uekman dead at age 19

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/campusrivalry/post/2011/11/arkansas-death-garrett-uekman/1A tragic week in the world of college sports continues, this time hitting the Razorbacks' athletic community.

The University of Arkansas said in a statement that Uekman was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark., Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011.
CAPTIONBy Danny Johnston, APArkansas released the following statement confirming the death of tight end Garrett Uekman:


Arkansas student-athlete Garrett Uekman was found unconscious and unresponsive in his room in the Northwest Quad residence hall at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. Emergency medical crews were called but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.

In the school's statement, University Police Lt. Matt Mills said that "the cause of Uekman's death is not known at this time, but there are no suspicious circumstances." Uekman was 19 years old.

Uekman was last seen playing video games by a roommate at about 10:15 a.m. and appeared to be in good health. Another roommate found him unconscious about an hour later. Emergency services were called at 11:17 a.m., and the first responders were on the scene at 11:20 a.m. Uekman was in cardiac arrest when responders arrived and was pronounced dead at approximately 12:10 p.m. at Washington Regional Medical Center.

The Washington County Coroner will send Uekman's body to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Lt. Mills said this is standard procedure for any unattended death.

The Arkansas football team met this afternoon, at which time the players were told of Uekman's death.

"Garrett Uekman was a special member of our family, and we are all saddened by his passing," Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. "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."

The Uekmans also released a statement through the school:

"Our son was living his dream of going to the U of A and playing football for the Razorbacks. He loved his school, his coaches, and his teammates and classmates, and was an influence and inspiration to so many people. We ask for your love and prayers for Garrett, our family and his friends as we all cope with this heavy and painful loss. Meanwhile, we ask for respect and privacy during this time of grief."

Uekman was a sophomore majoring in applied exercise science in the College of Education and Health Professions.

The 6-4, 254-pound Uekman participated in Arkansas' 44-17 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday but did not record any statistics. The game was held in Little Rock, Ark., Uekman's hometown. Uekman played in nine games this season.

The third-ranked Razorbacks head to No. 1 LSU on Friday.


Arkansas junior running back Knile Davis tweeted Sunday afternoon: "Garrett Uekman rest in peace my brother Watch over us as we continue to chase the dream u started with us. I love u and will forever miss u"

Saw that earlier. Awful and tragic news. Sympathy to Razorback Nation and Family.