FAYETTEVILLE - A layer of cold fog blanketed the University of Arkansas campus Sunday, serving as an appropriate backdrop as the Razorbacks football team mourned the loss of one of its own.
Freshman tight end Garrett Uekman died Sunday after going into cardiac arrest in his dorm room. He was 19-years-old.
Less than 24 hours after a series of upsets across college football left Arkansas ranked No. 3 in the Bowl Championship Series and a win away from potentially playing for the national championship, celebrating was the last thing on anyone’s mind.
Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino choked back tears while addressing Uekman’s death.
“Garrett was a special member of our family,” Petrino said. “The team and I were shocked today when we learned of his tragic passing. The entire football program is grieving his loss.
“Last night he was very proud of the win in Little Rock, which came on the same field that he played his high school football on. He truly loved being a Razorback and was loved by his teammates.”
VIDEO: Bobby Petrino – Garrett Uekman Death
With his wife, Becky, at his side, Petrino gave a brief 1-minute, 7-second statement Sunday night without fielding questions.
“I am proud of the way he represented our program,” Petrino said. “He did everything right and had one of our high GPAs on the football team. There was nothing Garrett loved more than competing.
“I know it was Garrett’s dream being at Arkansas and being a member of this football team. Our team will honor and respect his memory as we build this program. Our team thoughts are with Garrett, and my prayers are with him and his family.”
In what all ways the UA will honor the late Uekman aren’t known, but UA athletics director Jeff Long said students had coordinated a candlelight vigil to be held at 8 p.m. Monday inside Bud Walton Arena.
Long said the team will consider wearing a special decal for the rest of the season.
“This is all happening so quickly, but you can expect we’ll have an appropriate way to honor Garrett,” Long said.
“(The team) has handled it the way you would expect. There is shock, dismay, tears and disbelief – all of those human emotions you’ve experienced if you’ve lost a loved one. On this team, he was really that.”
VIDEO: Jeff Long – Garrett Uekman Death
Petrino has lauded his team’s maturity and leadership throughout the season, but never has the group experienced anything the magnitude of losing a teammate. The resolve of the unit will be tested in the coming week as it balances the emotion stemming from Uekman’s death with preparing for its upcoming football game at LSU.
Long said he has not been made aware of any consideration to postpone the anticipated match-up between the No. 1 Tigers and No. 3 Razorbacks on Friday.
“The feelings of Garrett’s family is football and the University of Arkansas, and the Razorbacks were very important to him,” Long said, fighting back tears, “and that he would want us to compete.”
Long said grief counseling was made readily available for players Sunday, with “very close” attention paid to Uekman’s unidentified roommates. He said the NCAA allows the team flexibility for potentially traveling to the memorial service, which had not been finalized as of Sunday night.
“When there is a situation like this, we have a pretty wide latitude on what we can do to assist the team,” Long said.
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once again we are reminded that life is far more important than the games we play.
god bless his soul. as a member of the hog family we must come together to comfort his family in their time of grief.
it’s amazing how you go from total jubilation over a team victory to such a tragic individual loss.
remember garrett and his family in our prayers.
I know that I speak for all college football fans, especially the Razorback Nation, in wishing my deepest condolences to the Uekman family. I can remember my having great joy when Garrett anounced his signing with the Hogs. I knew that he would become a great Razorback. His passing has brought tremendous sadness to all of us.
From the Duck nation to the Razorback nation, all our thoughts and prayers at this trying time. Peace.
Sad, sad, sad. What a great kid and family, from everything said and written. Prayers and condolences go out to all.
Our prayers go out for the Uekman family and to all his teammates and friends. God bless you all .
Oregonduck21, thanks for your prayers. It all reminds us that football is so small compared to this. The razorback family is grateful for you’re thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort this family at this time by the power of His Holy Spirit. What a tragic loss to a great person and football player. Grief beyond belief.
i am thinking about his family during the this sad time garret was going to be a great football player for the hogs.i just hope maybe the hogs will decaite this game to him.garrets family are in all of prayers.
This happened in 1966 when Claude Smithey passed away right before the last game of the season against Texas Tech. I think he was a reserve defensive tackle. Very sad to lose one so young and vibrant. Cherish the ones you love.
Also, I believe a player or two died when the 1944 basketball team was involved in a car accident down on old Hwy 71.
From an LSU fan, I say may God Bless this Ark team in a tough time like this. Razorback Nation will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jason, true class my friend.
My prayers go out to his family and friends..such a tragic loss for a 19 year old to go so quickly. God bless him and the Arkansas nation.
From LSU Tiger fan KeithB
This LSU fan, will be praying for the family, friends, and teamates of this young man. As a disabled Veteran injured in combat in Iraq, I have seen many of our young men die before their time. It is a tragic event anytime it happens. I truly wish all involved the strength and courage to persevere in this time of struggle. God bless.
Another LSU fan saddened by the tragic loss of such a fine young man. To the Uekman family and to the entire Arkansas nation, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during your hour of sorrow.
Thanks to all the SEC fans for supporting the Hog Nation in these trying times. It is much appreciated. IN GOD WE TRUST. AMEN.
Garrett Uekman will always be remembered by family and friends of the Uekmans, the University of Arkansas, and people all across the United States. Garrett always wanted to be a Razorback. When many of his classmates in high school were going to parties and hanging out, he was in the weight room and staying late on the practise field. Garrett grew up hearing about the glory days of the Razorbacks. He loved the Razorbacks. When he had his fill of extra laps and long workouts after dark, it was the love of the Razorbacks that kept him out there doing a little more work. Garrett wanted to play more on Saturdays but even more than that, he was so excited for the team. They had all worked together and come together to create a bond that was something truly special. Garrett had worked his whole life to do his part to get the Razorbacks to this very point. Garrett gave everything to the Razorbacks. He gave everything he had. God Bless you, Garrett Uekman. We will always remember you.
As my wife always says upon hearing news such as this, life is but a vapor. I was at the game Saturday and remember seeing Garrett on the sideline as I scanned that area with my binoculars during the game. So sad that he is gone, but the Lord has a plan for all of us and who are we to question it. I am certain that Garrett’s life has been – and will continue to be – an inspiration to many, and hopefully that will be his legacy.
Sincere prayers to Garrett’s family and friends, and a thank you to those outside the Razorback family expressing those same sentiments.
I really hate this for the family thoughts and prayers are out to them now lets go win the biggest game I can remember for garrett and his family
This tragic happening has just been made worse by the news that westboro baptist church will be at Garrett Uekmans funeral in protest. Made clear with also tweets such as ” Vigils do Uekman no good in hell! Should’ve told him the truth while he was alive. Obey God! Stop sinning!” and much more just like that. I can’t believe this bullshit!! LET HIS FAMILY MOURN IN PEACE!!!!! This is not being a good Christian but I F&ckin hate those people.
I too remember seeing Garrett in his #88 uniform. Now when I look at his face for the first time in his Razorback red uniform, I see a handsome, vibrant young man who left us far too early. He valued learning on and off the field and was doing something he had planned for all his life. His family, the Razorbacks, the fans, his friends will find a gap in their lives at his far too early death.
To Westboro sect (not a church but a sect): GO AWAY. Funerals and vigils are not a place to protest. All of you are sick, sick, sick humans.
Thank you to all the LSU and other SEC teams that have reached out to the Razorback Nation during this very upsetting time. You are all world-class! My prayers go out to Garrett’s family and all the Razorback players during this time. I pray for peace for all of them. I think Arkansas offensive tackle, Brey Cook said it best, “A team with something to play for can be dangerous, but a team with someone to play for is unstoppable.”
Coming from an LSU/Razorback house divided I have had the pleasure if watching this young man play all season. My prayers and sincere condolences go out to his family and teammates. Losing a young person with such potential seems so wrong. God bless.
Thanks to all those fans for other teams who have offered their condolences to the
Razorback Nation and the Eukman family. All of you are class acts. Football seems so unimportant at times like this.
He came out of Little Rock Catholic rated as one of the Top Ten Tight Ends in the Country,But the Good Lord needed him on his Ball Club more,Garrick you will be greatly missed.
RIP Garrick. You will be missed and remembered—Job well done my brother, job well done!
It’s great to know that teams even outside the SEC can come together as one team in hopes that the Uekman family will see all support and prayers that have been offered to them. It says alot about the college football family.
I dont mean to be rude Hogjim or Trey but his name is Garrett.
From an LSU Fan. My prayers are with the team, the family and the Razorback nation. Bring your best; he deserves nothing less.
A big thanks to the other fans ” LSU , Alabama , Oregon , & all the others for yalls prayers !!! That goes to show ya football is important to all of us but it is great when we all come together when something tragic happens !!! RIP # 88 GOD BLESS
To the westboro baptist church, they need to read their
bible as it states if we judge someone we will be judged
only God knows the hearts of men. Shame on them in this time
grief to his family. May God pour out his love and comfort to
Garretts whole family.
There’s not enough words that can convey all of the Razorback Nation about this young man’s passing. All the best to the Garrett Family in this time of need. He is now Jesus Tight End.
From the LSU Tiger Nation to the Razorback Nation, God bless you all in your shock and grief. To Mr Uekman’s family, the Lord be with you in this sad time of your life! May the strength of love and remembrance carry your team to a game that wil memoralize and honor their fallen commrad.
Connie Bennett
your not Rude RZB13,i just misspeled his name.
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