College Tennis Star Dies Suddenly at 21 During Half-Marathon

College tennis star Toby Atwood has tragically died suddenly while running, according to reports.

Atwood was a 21-year-old rising senior at Thiel College and a standout member of the women’s tennis team.

She tragically passed away over the weekend after collapsing during the Presque Isle Half Marathon in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The cause of death has not yet been made public.

However, Atwood’s sudden and unexpected death has left her community in mourning.

Atwood, a Pennsylvania native, was participating in the race on Sunday when she suddenly collapsed.

The college confirmed her passing in a statement.

Vice President for Student Life and Athletics Michael McKinney expressed the profound loss the campus is experiencing in a letter sent to the Thiel community.

“Toby was entering her senior year at Thiel College and was an accomplished student, athlete, and leader throughout her time at the College,” McKinney wrote.

“Her presence touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed.

“During this heartbreaking time, we mourn for Toby and extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, classmates, teammates, coach, instructors, and all who knew her.”

Atwood was known not only for her academic excellence but also for her leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities.

She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA as a double major in business administration and accounting, and was a full scholarship recipient at Thiel College.

She also served as president of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and was recently inducted into Chi Eta Sigma, the National Commerce Honorary Society.

In a statement, the women’s fraternity said:

“Toby was a light in everyone’s life.

“There was never a dull moment with her, and she was always there for the people she loved when they needed it.

“Toby truly left her mark while she was with us.

“She was seen as a leader, role model, and mentor.

“She was strong, resilient, and never afraid to speak her mind.

“There will forever be a hole in our hearts and our chapter without her.

“She has touched the lives of so many.”

A co-captain of the women’s tennis team, Atwood had a successful athletic career at Thiel College.

As a freshman, she won four singles and two doubles matches, and was recently recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association for her academic achievements.

This was her second honor in the past two seasons.

Atwood’s death has left a deep void at Thiel College, and she will be remembered as a beloved student, athlete, and friend who made a lasting impact on all who knew her.

The college community is grieving the loss of a remarkable young woman who was dedicated to her studies, her athletics, and her friends.