Graycen Vargo, a long-distance runner for Texas A&M-Texarkana, died after a medical emergency during a track and field championship in New Orleans on Friday, the school announced.
Texas A&M-Texarkana shared Saturday that Vargo, a Dallas native, collapsed during the Red River Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships, hosted by Xavier University in Louisiana. Vargo was rushed to a nearby hospital after being given immediate medical attention at the site, CBS News reported.
An exact cause of death was not provided by the school.
“Our thoughts are with Graycen’s family, teammates, and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander said in a statement. “Graycen was a respected member of the student body and a beloved member of the Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. His presence will be greatly missed by the entire university community.”
“On behalf of the Eagle athletic department, I want to convey our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of Graycen Vargo,” director of athletics Ryan Wall added. “Our prayers are with the Vargo family and everyone who knew Graycen as they go through this difficult time.”
Vargo was a junior at Texas A&M-Texarkana studying computer science. He was in his first season with the program after transferring from Jacksonville College, the school said.
He also recently received the Eagle Excellence Award in cross country at the school’s annual athletics ceremony, a recognition given to standout student-athletes who have “made a positive impact on campus, within their teams, and in the community while exemplifying strong character and academic excellence.”
Texas A&M-Texarkana said that its student counseling services staff will be available to help students in need.
