University of Mobile basketball player Kaiden Francis dies at age 18 after collapsing on campus
A college basketball player at the University of Mobile suddenly died at the age of 18 this week.
Kaiden Francis, a freshman, died Tuesday following a collapse on campus after working out in the university’s gym.
Francis was reportedly found unresponsive shortly after a weekly skills workout with the university’s coaching staff and trainers, according to the Associated Press.
Students and medical staff attempted to tend to the 6-foot-2 freshman guard but despite their valiant attempts, Francis passed away.
A cause of death is not yet known. Francis recently passed ‘a battery of health screenings, including heart and lung evaluations,’ Kathy Dean, a spokesperson for the private, Christian-based university located in Mobile, said.
‘Despite the quick and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals, Kaiden never recovered and passed away earlier today. Our hearts are heavy as we process this tragedy,’ university President Charles Smith said in a letter to students and faculty members.
Kaiden Francis, a freshman on the University of Mobile’s basketball team, died Tuesday
My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play just last week. He was profoundly gifted and clearly loved by his teammates. As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches, and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.’
Head basketball coach Darnell Archey said that Francis, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died after a trip to the gym.
‘Yesterday morning Kaiden Francis, freshman point guard from Fort Lauderdale unexpectedly passed away after doing what he loved to do, working on his craft in the gym,’ the coach wrote in a statement on Facebook.
‘Kaiden was just scratching the surface on the court but his smile and positive energy could be felt from day 1.
‘He will be truly missed and I can’t thank him enough for being apart of my life over the past few months. My heart aches for his family, friends and teammates.’
Classes were canceled Wednesday as the University of Mobile mourned the loss with a vigil held on campus.
‘This will be a time for us to lift up Kaiden’s family, his teammates, and one another, asking for God’s comfort, strength, and peace. I hope to see many of you there,’ Smith said of the vigil in his address to the university’s 2,000 students.
