Oklahoma linebacker Austin Box passes away

[BLUE 1,026]

Posted by Adam Jacobi

 

The Oklahoma football program was rocked today by the death of starting middle linebacker Austin Box. Box, 22, was found unresponsive at a house in El Reno this morning, and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in nearby Oklahoma City. He was later pronounced dead.

 

KFOR 4 in Oklahoma City was the first to report that the medical examiner's office confirmed Box's passing, but no details past that have been officially released as yet. The Tulsa World has reported that the medical examiner's office does not expect a cause of death to be known today.

 

According to a report by Fox 25 in Oklahoma City, the police report notes that Box took an unnamed "controlled dangerous substance," and that his death was likely an overdose.

 

Oklahoma president David Boren released this statement today:

 

"The University family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."

 

Also, OU athletic director Joe Castiglione released this statement:

 

"Austin Box will be greatly missed by his many friends and teammates in the Athletics Department and all across campus. Grief counseling is being made available to members of the team and his close friends."

 

As The Oklahoman reports, head coach Bob Stoops is currently overseas.

 

Needless to say, this is horrible news for Oklahoma and the Box family, and horrible news for the rest of college football -- especially just days after the passing of Alabama lineman Aaron Douglas. 22 years is far too young for anybody to pass away, far too short a life to live, and we offer our condolences to all affected.

 

Source: CBSSportsline.com

Edited May 19, 2011 by BLUE

[Tridentdawgpound 1,043]

This is just sad to see. I remember watching this kid play and thinking it was awesome that his last name was Box. RIP Mr. Box.

[WindyCitySports 407]

This is very sad. I have a friend who is a big OU fan and he was devastated. So tough to lose such a talented player at such a young age. Had his whole life ahead of him. RIP Austin Box