RELATED: Portland State football player dies after routine surgery
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Portland State has now lost two of its players this year under mysterious circumstances. A.J. Schlatter passed away after suffering complications from a routine throat surgery —- tonsillectomy. Offensive lineman Kyle Smith died at his downtown apartment Wednesday evening according to a release from the school.
Smith was a three-year starter and a second-team all-Big Sky Conference performer in 2015. PSU coach Bruce Barnum gave a statement on Smith's passing and said this will make his team and the community stronger.
"I feel we have the most united, close-knit football team in America, and we just lost a major piece of that team in Kyle. Right now we have two concerns, Kyle's family and our football players. The program is being tested but we will come out of this on top."
PSU's director of athletics Mark Rountree asked for the support of the community and the fans and family of the team get everyone through this tough time. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I would ask the Viking family to support our student-athletes and coaches with love and caring during this difficult time. We must all must show resolve to cope with this tragedy as best we can."
This is truly a sad event and one that will not easily be forgotten.
[h/t OregonLive.com]
