The University of Arkansas is in shock after 19-year-old Garrett Uekman a football player died on Sunday after being found unresponsive in his dorm room. Garrett Uekman, a sophomore from Little Rock, was rushed to Washington Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead on Sunday afternoon.
Razorbacks’ coach Bobby Petrino said in a brief statement, “Garrett Uekman was a special member of our family, and we are all saddened by his passing,” Petrino fought back tears. “His loss is a terrible shock, and it makes you realize how precious life is. Garrett was a great teammate and loved being a Razorback.”
David Estes, Uekman’s high school coach at Little Rock Catholic, told the Associated Press that he was a “coach’s dream.” “He was one of those special kids and had a passion for everything. He loved Catholic High, loves UA, and wanted to be a Razorback forever. He got to live that dream.”
Uekman’s parents, added in a statement released through the school that their son loved his coaches, teammates and the school. “Our son was living his dream going to the U of A and playing football for the Razorbacks,” Uekman’s parents said.
Police said in a statement that Uekman had been in “playing video games” and was believed to be in good health an hour before he was found unconscious. The medical examiner will perform an autopsy. Uekman, a tight end, played in nine games for the Razorbacks this season.
A Facebook page has been dedicated to his memory, hundreds of people sent well-wishes.
The university planned to hold a vigil for Garrett on Monday night.
The school said it plans to continue with its game this week, with the Razorbacks taking on top-ranked LSU on Friday. “Certainly the feelings of Garrett’s family are that football and the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks were very important to him,” athletic director Jeff Long said, “and that he would want us to continue to complete.”
