Florida State linebacker Devaughn Darling collapsed and died Monday after an early-morning, offseason workout.
The 18-year-old linebacker from the Houston area was stricken shortly after 7 a.m. He had just finished intensive agility and conditioning drills with teammates, including his twin brother, at the school's football facility.
His brother, Devard Darling, coach Bobby Bowden and other players and coaches were at the hospital when the athlete was pronounced dead by an emergency room physician at 8:37 a.m.
"Obviously it's a very emotional time for everyone associated with our program," athletic director David Hart said. "We're all in a state of shock."
Bowden was spending the rest of the day with the Darling family and was expected to release a statement later.
The cause of death was not immediately determined. An autopsy, requested by Florida State University police, will be conducted Tuesday.
"This is standard procedure in a death of this nature," Lt. Jack Handley said of the autopsy request. "We're currently doing the death investigation."
Florida State athletes receive a physical that includes an EKG when they report for football practice in the summer, spokesman Rob Wilson said.
Devaughn Darling, one of the youngest players on the team, started on special teams last season as a freshman. He was to begin spring practice next week as a starter at outside linebacker.
He was credited with 11 tackles in seven games during the season, including two solo stops against Clemson.
The school deployed about 10 counselors and team chaplain Clint Purvis to meet with Darling's grieving teammates, many who were still sobbing several hours later as they talked in disbelief.
"Tragedies are never something you get through very easily," Hart said. "We will continue to focus on our players first and foremost."
The Garnet and Gold souvenir store near the campus already had changed its sign to read: "Devaughn Darling, We Miss You."
Although tragedy has visited the football program two other times in the last 15 years, it was the first time a death resulted from an organized school activity.
In 1992, redshirt freshman Michael Hendricks of Baytown, Texas, was accidentally electrocuted during a visit home.
Copyright 2001 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Be the first to comment on this article!