An Asbury University student has died while playing with friends on one of the University's intramural fields.
Jeff McMillan, 24, who would have graduated in December, experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed on the field, says the universitystatement. Official cause of death has not yet been determined.
"Obviously it's one of those very tragic cases ... when a young, athletic, apparently healthy individual just collapses suddenly," said Michael Hughes, Jessamine County coroner.
"It appears that it was a natural death," Hughes said to Kentucky.com. Hughes pronounced McMillan dead two hours after he collapsed.
He was a senior Sport Management major from Florence, Ky. and lived in Johnson Hall on the Asbury University campus. He is described by his friends and acquaintances as a huge sports fan and rooted for University of Kentucky teams, Oklahoma City Thunder, the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals. In addition, he also worked with the Asbury physical plant.
The nondenominational Christian liberal arts institution said in its statement that it is shocked by the sudden death of one of the members of Asbury community.
"We are saddened at this tragic event," said Asbury University President Sandra C. Gray.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Jeff's family and friends as we call on the Lord to carry us all through this time of grief."
The Monday's regular 10 a.m. service at the university chapel is scheduled to be dedicated to McMillan.
"Jeff's father and I would really like everyone to know how much the Asbury community meant to Jeff the past four years," said McMillan's mother, Jackie.
"Asbury University has been his life. We're so thankful Asbury was able to help make life so great for him."
Memorial Services are planned for later this week.
The university has announced that it will be planting a tree in McMillan's name on campus in honor of his dedication to Asbury's physical plant.
