Furman football player Bryce Stanfield dies at age 21 after on-field collapse

On Feb. 7, Furman football player Bryce Stanfield, 21, collapsed on the field during a morning workout.

They called it a "medical emergency."

Just a short while later, the unthinkable happened...

Stanfield was dead.

Furman coach Clay Hendrix released a statement saying how "heartbroken" he was over the loss of his player:

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.

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. Bryce was 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. His passing is one of the most difficult things Furman football has ever encountered, but our faith and so many wonderful memories Bryce provided us will help sustain us all in the days ahead.

The Associated Press wrote about what an amazing young man Stanfield was:

"Stanfield was a two-time Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll selection. He served in Furman’s Heler Service Corps Men of Distinction, visited patients at Greenville Children’s Hospital and read to children at local schools," the outlet noted.

Furman vice president for intercollegiate athletics Jason Donnelly also made a statement:

Bryce was a beautiful soul, a loving son, loyal friend, tremendous teammate, and great student. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from our entire community. Bryce will be dearly missed but will be remembered in our hearts forever.

Stanfield is another in an alarmingly long list of seemingly healthy young athletes who have dropped dead in the past few years.

What do you think could be causing this tragic phenomenon?

Let us know in the comments section below.

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