American football player, 20, mysteriously dies from ‘natural causes’ | NFL | Sport
A college football star in Ohio, USA, tragically passed away from “natural causes” during a pick-up basketball game. He was 20 years old. The Zanesville Times Recorder claim that Jeremy Michael, a sophomore attending Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio, collapsed while playing basketball with friends on campus.
While an official cause of death has not been disclosed, a school official told the outlet that the student athlete died “from natural causes on Tuesday evening. “The Muskingum University campus community is grieving the loss of Jeremy Michael,” they said. “Our campus is offering support and reaching out to all of those impacted by this loss. We are holding Jeremy’s family and friends close in our thoughts.”
Michael excelled as a defensive lineman for two seasons at Muskingum whilst also being a member of the Manhood, Achievement, Christian Character, Education (M.A.C.E.) fraternity. “Jeremy’s presence touched many across our campus community,” the university said in an official statement.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt sympathies are with Jeremy’s family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved him.”
Following Michael’s death, countless tributes flooded in from those who knew him. Taking to social media on Wednesday, Muskingum head football coach Matt Nardo wrote: “My heart aches for his family.
“Last night our football family lost a brother. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He will always be with us! Family over everything!”
Michael’s former coach, Bryan Morgan of North Ridgeville High School, remembered him as an upbeat team member who consistently brought smiles to his peers’ faces.
“He was one of those guys who not only would have a smile but put a smile on everyone else’s face, as well,” Morgan shared with The Chronicle-Telegram.
Amy Esser, the girls basketball coach at North Ridgeville who worked alongside Michael in the high school’s leadership programmes, echoed this sentiment, describing him as “was just an all-around sweetheart, just an unbelievable kid.
“He was an unbelievable athlete but an even better human being. He made everyone around him better. He was always in a good mood, always had a smile on his face.
“Jeremy was the type of student you just dreamed to have around. He represented our school and our community in such a positive light.”
A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist Michael’s mother, Heather, with funeral costs has raised over £26,000 at the time of writing.
“Jeremy was a kind, fun, and athletic young man who enjoyed playing all different sports and hanging with his buddies, many of whom have been friends with him since grade school,” said Wendy Reisner, a family friend who organised the GoFundMe. “Anyone that knows Jeremy knows he was a wonderful kid and a good friend.
“Jeremy touched so many lives with his warmth, humor, and generosity, and his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.”
This article first appeared on Mirror US.
