Rutgers Student Collapses While Playing Basketball, Dies: Officials

A Rutgers University freshman collapsed while playing basketball at the campus recreational center and later died at the hospital, the school says. 

Patrick Awosogba, 18, of East Brunswick, was playing basketball at the Cook/Douglass Recreation Center at around 2 p.m. Sunday when he collapsed, university officials said. 

Lifeguards on duty at the center performed CPR, and responding Rutgers EMT and police officers continued resuscitation efforts through CPR and electronic defibrillators, Rutgers said.

Awosogba was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 3:15 p.m. 

Rutgers officials say Awosgoba entered the School of Arts and Sciences last fall and was scheduled to graduate in 2018. 

There's no indication of foul play, officials said. A cause of death hasn't been determined but the teen's sister, Dr. Tempipope Awosgoba, a resident physician in Boston, told NJ Advance Media it's possible her brother had an undiagnosed heart condition. 

Awosgoba's family, who is originally from Nigeria, said in a statement, "We appreciate the condolences from the Rutgers community and friends and loved ones in the East Brunswick community. It means a lot to us knowing that he is loved and thought of, and how much of an impact he had." 

The youngest of four children, Awosgoba was interested in film and law and had played varsity basketball and baseball through his childhood and teens, his family said. 

His former baseball coach at East Brunswick High School, Chris Kenney, told NJ Advance Media that he was a "consummate team player."

"He was extremely nice. Such a sweet kid," Kenney said. "I loved having him on the team. I loved talking to him. Extremely smart. He was one kid I never had to worry about." 

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