Darius Minor collapsed and died during a light workout on Tuesday.
ORONO — University of Maine officials said Wednesday that they do not know what caused freshman football player Darius Minor to collapse and die during a light workout a day earlier.
Minor, 18, from Locust Grove, Virginia, was one of 17 freshman players participating in the workout when he collapsed about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday. Efforts to resuscitate him by the Maine training staff and local first responders were unsuccessful.
“The University of Maine police department is following state protocol,” said Joe Harasymiak, head coach of the Black Bears. “I believe he’s going to the medical examiner’s office and that’s all we know right now.”
Harasymiak added that he did not know of any health problems that Minor may have had.
“I know to work out here, not only do we get a physical at home, but he has to pass a physical at Maine,” said Harasymiak. “And he did that.”
School officials established a timeline of the incident. Strength coach Jon Lynch brought the 17 freshmen to Alfond Stadium for the workout, which was to include pushing a weighted sled. After a five-minute warm-up and short water break, the group went through one repetition of the drill.
During another water break, Minor tapped Lynch on the shoulder and said he felt like he was going to pass out, according to Harasymiak.
Minor then collapsed. The athletic training staff was notified immediately and a 911 call was made. But efforts to resuscitate him failed.
Harasymiak, who choked up several times during the press conference, said he spoke to Minor’s mother this morning.
“She’s a strong women and that’s ultimately why Darius was the way he was,” he said. “Anything we can do for them, we will.”
The final three days of the freshman workouts were canceled and all players, including those returning, were sent home.
The players report for training camp on July 31, with the first practice on Aug. 1.
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