A Texas A&M-Texarkana student-athlete has died after collapsing during a track and field competition in New Orleans.
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Graycen Vargo, a long-distance runner for the Eagles, suffered a medical emergency at the Red River Athletic Conference championships, hosted by Xavier University in Louisiana. He received immediate medical attention on site before being transported to a local hospital, where he later died, the university said.
Vargo was a junior computer science major from Dallas and was competing in his first season with Texas A&M-Texarkana after previously running at Jacksonville College.
The university confirmed his death in a statement Saturday and expressed condolences to those closest to him.
"Our thoughts are with Graycen's family, teammates, and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss," university president Ross Alexander said. "Graycen was a respected member of the student body and a beloved member of the cross country and track and field teams. His presence will be greatly missed by the entire university community."
The school said counseling services would be made available to students and staff.
Officials did not provide additional details about the medical emergency.
The conference meet continued as scheduled, though the loss cast a somber tone over the event as teammates and competitors processed the news.
