Cayden Francis, a freshman at the University of Mobile (Alabama), collapsed on campus Tuesday and died at the age of 18, President Charles Smith said. The announcement was made in a letter addressed to faculty, staff, and students..
Spokesperson Kathy Dean told The Associated Press that Francis was found “unresponsive” after attending weekly skills training with the school's coaching staff and trainers.
The cause of death has not yet been released, according to the report.
Smith praised the “swift and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals” and said “our hearts are heavy as we grapple with this tragedy.”
The school canceled classes Wednesday, held a vigil that day, and postponed games Wednesday and this coming Saturday.
“My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play last week,” Smith wrote. “He was deeply talented and clearly loved by his teammates. As you can imagine, Kaiden's family, coaches, and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.”
Francis, a 6-foot-2 guard from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., appeared in six games for the Rams this season, averaging 5.5 points and shooting 42.4 percent from the field.
Francis scored a career-high 10 points in his final game against Life University on November 16.
The University of Mobile is a private, Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences college. per websiteand 24th place in the Nov. 13 National Collegiate Athletic Association Coaches Poll.
Dean told the AP that Glover recently passed “a series of medical tests, including heart and lung evaluations.”
“These tests did not indicate any health concerns,” Dean told the publication. “Out of respect for the family, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
Mobile Coach Darnell Archey I posted a heartfelt message on Facebook. About Francis.
“Yesterday morning, University of Fort Lauderdale freshman point guard Kaiden Francis suddenly passed away after being in the gym doing his thing and working on his craft,” Archie wrote.
“Kayden has only scratched the surface on the court, but his smile and positive energy were felt from day one.
“I will really miss him and I can't thank him enough for being a part of my life these last few months. My heart goes out to his family, friends and teammates. It hurts.”
Achy also told Fox 10 that Francis would have been a star player and that he would have had an “infectious” smile.
“He captivated the locker room and definitely won my heart. He was a special kid to coach.” Archie told the outlet. “I have many sons and I lost one of them last week, but they will always be in my heart.”
