A college student-athlete from Dallas has tragically died after suffering a medical emergency during competition on Friday.
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Graycen Vargo, a long-distance runner for Texas A&M-Texarkana, collapsed while competing at the Red River Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships.
The incident took place at Xavier University in Louisiana. Vargo received immediate medical attention before being rushed to a nearby hospital.
College Student Dies After Medical Emergency During Competition
Medical staff initially treated Vargo at the scene before transporting him to a local hospital. He later passed away.
The university confirmed the news in a statement. Though officials did not disclose the cause of death.
"Our thoughts are with Graycen's family, teammates, and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss," A&M-Texarkana President Dr. 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 noted that Vargo was a junior majoring in computer science. He had recently joined the program for his first season after previously competing at Jacksonville College.
His impact had already been recognized, as he received the Eagle Excellence Award for Cross Country during the university's annual athletic awards ceremony.
"The Eagle Excellence Award is presented to student athletes who made a positive impact on campus, within their teams, and in the community while exemplifying strong character and academic excellence," the statement reads.
School Offers Support as Community Mourns
University officials said Student Counseling Services staff will be available to support students and staff affected by the loss.
"On behalf of the Eagle athletic department, I want to convey our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of Graycen Vargo," Director of Athletics Ryan Wall said. "Our prayers are with the Vargo family and everyone who knew Graycen as they go through this difficult time."
The tragedy follows another recent incident involving a young athlete.
In February, 16-year-old Jalen Lawson collapsed during football practice at Stevens High School in San Antonio and later died.
Reports indicated he had been "showing signs of distress" during practice. He had previously been "sick with flu-like symptoms," according to a fellow student.
Officials later determined the cause of death to be hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A genetic condition in which the heart muscle thickens, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively.
