The University of Maine is mourning the death of its freshman defensive back Darius Minor who died in a preseason workout on Tuesday at the age of 18.
The school announced that Minor collapsed 15 minutes into the team's supervised light workout around 1:15 p.m. The squad's training staff and emergency personnel tried to revive Minor, but they weren't able to resuscitate him. The defensive back's cause of death is yet to be determined.
School Mourn Loss Of Defensive Back
"The Athletics Department, our student-athletes and the entire campus mourn the loss of this bright and promising member of our community," University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy says.
Ferrini-Mundy also asked for prayers for the family and friends of Minor. Maine head coach Joe Harasymiak, for his part, said words cannot express their grief following the tragic loss of Minor, a political science major from Locust Grove, Virginia.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Darius' family and friends during this terrible time," said Harasymiak.
"UMaine Athletics is devastated. We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected," says James Settele, University of Maine interim athletics director.
Joe D'Antonio, the Colonial Athletic Association commissioner, expressed sadness over the passing of Minor. D'Antonio also extended the CAA's deepest sympathies to Maine as well as Minor's family and promised to include the family in their prayer during this difficult phase.
Minor Played Two Positions In High School
The 18-year-old Minor joined the University of Maine after he had earned All-Central Virginia honors in 2017. He played two positions, as a wide receiver and defensive back, at Orange County High School.
Minor was one of 17 first-year student-athletes participating in the freshman workout. He was in the third week of the university's workout and taking a summer university course when the incident happened.
In 2017, Minor was picked as a first team All-Central Virginia wide receiver and a second-team defensive back. He was a four-year starter at Orange County High School, leading the Hornets to the postseason in three consecutive seasons.
During his senior year, Minor caught 57 passes for 763 yards and 13 touchdowns and led the Jefferson District in all three categories. With his outstanding performance, Minor was selected to the All-Jefferson District first-team honors as a wide receiver and defensive back last season.
Minor was the second teenager to die during a preseason college football workout this summer. On May 29, 19-year-old Jordan McNair collapsed during a workout. He was transported to a local hospital but died two weeks later. According to an ESPN report, McNair received an emergency liver transplant.
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