EL RENO Austin Box, a linebacker for the University of Oklahoma football team, has died after he was found unconscious earlier in the day at a house in El Reno, authorities said Thursday.
El Reno Police said paramedics were called to 1219 S Reno where Box was found unconscious.
He was taken to Mercy Hospital in El Reno and later flown to Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City where he was pronounced dead.
Box, who earned his college degree last weekend, was going into his senior year. After missing the first half of the year with a back injury, Box returned to the starting lineup at middle linebacker midseason and was a big part of OUs late-season resurgence.
OU President David L . Boren issued the following statement:
"The University family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."
OU athletic director Joe Castiglione also offered a statement:
"Austin Box will be greatly missed by his many friends and teammates in the Athletics Department and all across campus. Grief counseling is being made available to members of the team and his close friends."
Head coach Bob Stoops is overseas this week.
