The University of Mobile in Alabama is grieving the sudden loss of freshman basketball player Kaiden Francis this week.
Kaiden, who was from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, collapsed on campus Tuesday morning and passed away. University President Charles Smith shared the heartbreaking news in a letter to students and staff.
“Despite the quick and heroic efforts of students and medical staff, Kaiden couldn’t recover and passed away earlier today. We are all deeply saddened as we try to come to terms with this tragedy,” Smith wrote in his letter.
Basketball coach Darnell Archey also shared his sorrow on social media. He said Kaiden had just finished a workout at the gym when the tragedy happened. “Kaiden was a freshman point guard, and though he was still just starting out on the court, his positive energy and smile were felt by everyone from the very beginning,” Archey wrote. “He will be truly missed.”
To honor Kaiden, the university canceled classes on Wednesday, and a vigil was held that morning on campus.
President Smith added in his letter that he had watched Kaiden play just last week. “He was incredibly talented and loved by his teammates,” Smith said. “As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches, and teammates are devastated and need our thoughts and prayers.”
