College basketball star Kaiden Francis has tragically died suddenly, the University of Mobile has announced.
Francis was just 18 years old when he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday.
His death was announced by the Alabama Christian college’s President Charles Smith in a letter to faculty, staff, and students.
Francis reportedly died after he collapsed suddenly on campus after training.
The school’s spokeswoman Kathy Dean told the Associated Press that Francis was found “unresponsive” after his weekly skills workout with coaching staff and trainers.
He was believed to be in perfect health and peak physical condition, leaving many shocked by his sudden death.
Smith praised the “quick and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals.”
“Our hearts are heavy as we process this tragedy,” he said.
The school canceled classes on Wednesday and held a vigil that day.
Upcoming games on Saturday and next Wednesday have also been postponed.
“My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play just last week,” Smith wrote.
“He was profoundly gifted and clearly loved by his teammate.
As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches, and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.”
Francis, a 6-foot-2 guard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, averaged 5.5 points on 42.4 percent shooting spanning six games this season for the Rams.
He tallied a career-best 10 points in his last game on November 16 against Life University.
The University of Mobile is a private “Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences university,” according to its website.
The school is ranked 24th in the November 13 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics coaches’ poll.
Dean told the AP that Francis recently cleared “a battery of health screenings, including heart and lung evaluations.”
“None of these tests indicated health concerns,” Dean also told the publication.
“Out of respect for the family, we have no plans to comment further at this time.”
Mobile coach Darnell Archey posted a heartfelt note on Facebook about Francis.
“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,” Archey wrote.
“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 a part of my life over the past few months.
“My heart aches for his family, friends, and teammates.”
Achey also told Fox 10 that Francis would have been a star player and he had an “infectious” smile.
“He won over the locker room and definitely won over my heart,” Archey told the outlet.
“He was a special kid to coach.
“I have many sons, and I lost one of those this past week, but he will always have a place in my heart.”
A cause of death has not yet been released.
Any other details regarding his sudden passing have been withheld from the public.
READ MORE – Top Cardiologist Drops Bombshell on Sudden Deaths Crisis: ‘Vaccines Are the Smoking Gun’
