Arkansas Student-Athlete Found Dead in Dorm
A student at the University of Arkansas, who was also a member of the university’s football team, was found unresponsive and unconscious in his dorm room at 11:15 a.m.
Emergency medical responders were not able to revive him and he was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Garrett Uekman, 19, was from Little Rock, Ark., and was a sophomore studying applied exercise science in the school’s College of Education and Health Professions.
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A roommate said Uekman was last seen playing video games at 10:15 a.m. Another roommate discovered his unconscious body.
“Garrett Uekman was a special member of our family, and we are all saddened by his passing,” said football coach Bobby Petrino. “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. My sympathies are with his entire family during this incredibly trying time, and I share in their grief. Our team will honor and show our respect to Garrett.”
Uekman’s parents, Danny and Michelle Uekman, also released a statement through the university,
“Our son was living his dream of going to the U of A and playing football for the Razorbacks. He loved his school, his coaches, and his teammates and classmates, and was an influence and inspiration to so many people. We ask for your love and prayers for Garrett, our family and his friends as we all cope with this heavy and painful loss. Meanwhile, we ask for respect and privacy during this time of grief.”
University Police Lt. Matt Mills said that the cause of Uekman’s death is not known at this time, but there are no suspicious circumstances. Uekman’s body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Mills said this is standard procedure for any unattended death.
