Furman defensive tackle Bryce Stanfield died Friday, two days after collapsing during a workout. He was 21.
Furman president Elizabeth Davis said that Stanfield died while “surrounded by his family and his Furman family.”
Stanfield experienced a medical emergency during a workout at Paladin Stadium on Wednesday and the school said he was taken to Greenville (S.C.) Memorial Hospital and placed on life support. Details of the emergency haven’t been revealed.
“We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead,” Furman coach Clay Hendrix said in a statement. “There are so many more who are really hurting — namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends and the entire Furman community and beyond.”
Davis said the junior health sciences major from Acworth, Ga., excelled in the classroom as well as on the football field.
In fact, the university conferred Stanfield’s degree in a ceremony Friday morning before he passed so he could die as a Furman graduate. Davis said Stanfield received a bachelor’s of science degree and graduated magna cum laude.
“The university extends its heartfelt condolences to Bryce’s family and friends in this time of profound loss,” Davis said in a letter to the Furman community. “The entire Furman community is deeply affected at times like these, and it’s important that we offer each other support and seek help if we need it.
“We have connected with the football team and others who most closely knew Bryce to provide counseling and support. We will share information on funeral and memorial services as appropriate.”
Stanfield played in 34 games over three seasons for the Paladins and had 49 tackles and 9.5 stops for losses, including seven sacks.
–Field Level Media
