Reports: Rice University Football Player Found Dead at 21

Reports: Rice University Football Player Found Dead at 21
A stock photo shows police tape (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Jack Phillips
3/5/2018
Updated:
3/5/2018

Blain Padgett, a Rice University football defensive end, was found dead at the age of 21 in his apartment, according to reports over the weekend.

“Our team is devastated by this news,” Rice coach Mike Bloomgren said in a school statement obtained by CBS Sports. “All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain’s family and his teammates in this very difficult period.”

“Our entire athletic department is in mourning over the loss of Blain Padgett,” noted athletic director Joe Karlgaard. “Blain was a great friend and teammate and the sense of loss is overwhelming to his teammates, his friends, but most importantly to his family, who are in our thoughts and prayers. We will do everything in our power to provide assistance to our student-athletes in this incredibly difficult time.”

The cause of death was not disclosed.

Padgett’s family said in a statement that they were appreciative of the support they’ve been given.

“We just appreciate everyone’s support and love! He was a gentle giant and loved his family, friends, his country, and his football brothers and coaches so much,” Wyndi Padgett wrote, ABC13 reported. “We don’t know why he was taken so early but he lived a full life and enjoyed everything about life!”
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Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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