Kent State releases statement after football player dies during practice

This is unfathomably tragic.

On Tuesday, the Kent State football team was rocked by the news that freshman offensive lineman Tyler Heintz tragically passed away following an offseason conditioning workout. In response, the university released an official statement late on Tuesday evening and it reads as follows.

Today, the Kent State University family mourns the tragic loss of one of our student-athletes, freshman football player Tyler Heintz. Tyler was transported to a local hospital by paramedics this morning following football conditioning drills at Dix Stadium. The cause of death is not yet known.

Tyler was from Kenton, Ohio, and planned to study marketing and entrepreneurship in the College of Business Administration. Tyler was recruited as a rising star on our offensive line.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Tyler's family and friends, as well as Coach Haynes and the team, our athletics staff and our student-athletes.

Details are still being ironed out with regard to the cause of death but the 6'4, 275-pound freshman from Kenton, Ohio was clearly beloved in his local community. Following the news, Heintz's high school program paid tribute on Twitter.

Just a few weeks ago, Tyler Heintz was finishing high school and preparing for life as a Division I college football player. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and his friends.