An 18-year-old college football player was found dead in his central Pennsylvania dormitory this week, leading local law enforcement to launch an investigation.
Kevon Walker, a freshman defensive lineman at St. Francis University, was reportedly found in his bed by teammates, according to WJACTV.com. A toxicology report is pending and police hope it will help determine his cause of death.
Police say there is no evidence of foul play.
Walker had been ‘feeling ill’ recently, according to authorities.
The Cambria County coroner’s office did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com’s request for further information.
Kevon Walker, a freshman defensive lineman, was reportedly found in his bed by teammates
Kevon Walker had been ‘feeling ill’ prior to his death, according to authorities in Pennsylvania
There has been an outpouring of grief, both in Walker’s native Buffalo and on campus in in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
‘Please Pray for my Family,’ Walker’s aunt, Ruby White, wrote on Facebook. ‘We lost a great inspiring young man. R.I.P Nephew.
White signed off by writing: ‘I Love You [and] you will Truly be missed.’
One woman identifying herself as a Buffalo native wrote that Walker ‘was the type of person who was always willing to help the younger kids.’
‘A true leader and friend,’ she wrote. ‘He will be greatly missed.’
School officials are also reacting to the tragedy.
Kevon Walker has been described as a ‘true leader and friend’ who will be ‘greatly missed’
Walker (back row, second from left) played in only three games in 2024 before passing away
‘The entirety of the department is heartbroken over the tragic and untimely loss of Kevon,’ Director of Athletics James Downer said in a statement.
‘Although his time at Saint Francis was short, he made a positive impact on the football program, was well-liked and respected among the team, and showed the promise of a very bright future with the Red Flash.
‘Our sincere thoughts and condolences are with Kevon’s family, loved ones, teammates, and coaches during this incredibly challenging time.’
Classes were canceled on campus Tuesday to ‘allow our campus community time to gather, reflect, and support one another,’ according to a school statement.
Playing for former NFL offensive lineman and SFU head coach Chris Villarrial, Walker had two tackles over three games in his young college career.
The 3-6 Red Flash are in Brookville, NY on the North Shore of Long Island this Saturday for a game with LIU-Brooklyn.
