Arkansas football player found dead in dorm room
GANNETT November 20, 2011 7:02PM
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A University of Arkansas student-athlete, Garrett Uekman, was found unconscious and unresponsive in his dorm room Sunday morning. Emergency medical crews were not able to revive him and he was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.
Uekman, 19, from Little Rock, Ark., was a sophomore majoring in applied exercise science in the College of Education and Health Professions. He was a redshirt freshman on the Arkansas Razorback football team, where he played tight end. He played in nine games during the current football season.
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 was last seen playing video games by a roommate at about 10:15 a.m. CST and appeared to be in good health. Another roommate found him unconscious about an hour later. Uekman was in cardiac arrest when responders arrived and was pronounced dead at approximately 12:10 p.m.
“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.”
Uekman’s body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Mills said this is standard procedure for any unattended death.
