FAYETTEVILLE - Garrett Uekman, a redshirt freshman football player at the University of Arkansas, died Sunday. He was 19.
Uekman was found unresponsive by a teammate at approximately 11:17 a.m. Sunday in his dorm room at the Northwest Quad residence hall, according to a release through the UA athletics media relations department.
Paramedics arrived three minutes later and found Uekman in cardiac arrest, according to the release. He was taken to Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, where he was pronounced dead at 12:10 p.m.
UA Police Department spokesperson Matt Mills said the cause of Uekman’s death is not known and his body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy this week.
“Garrett Uekman was a special member of our family, and we are all saddened by his passing,” Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said in a statement. “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.”
News of the tight end’s death came just hours after the team returned to Fayetteville from a game against Mississippi State at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Uekman’s home town.
Uekman graduated from Little Rock Catholic High School for Boys in 2010. He verbally committed to play for the Razorbacks prior to his senior season in high school and redshirted during his first season at Arkansas last fall.
He played in the fourth quarter of Arkansas’ 44-17 win Saturday and had appeared in eight other games this season.
“Our son was living his dream of going to the U of A and playing football for the Razorbacks,” the Uekman family said in a statement. “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.”
Uekman was last seen responsive by a roommate at approximately 10:15 a.m. Sunday while playing video games in his dorm room, according to the release.
Arkansas football players were informed of the death at a team meeting Sunday afternoon. Several football players took to social media website Twitter to express their condolences.
Among them, running back Knile Davis said, “Garrett Uekman rest in peace my brother. Watch over us as we continue to chase the dream (you) started with us. I love (you) and will forever miss (you).”
Added offensive guard Grant Cook, “RIP Garrett.. I am thankful for the opportunity to have you in my life! I will always remember the times we had together. I love you buddy!”
The UA release stated counselors were made available to the football team Sunday.
“The well-being of our student-athletes is at the very core of our mission and when a tragedy like this happens it is a tremendous loss to the entire campus community,” UA athletics director Jeff Long said. “We will work with various campus services to provide support for the Uekman family, our student-athletes, coaches and staff during this difficult time.”
The No. 3 Razorbacks will play at No. 1 LSU on Friday.
You can follow Matt Jones on Twitter @NWAMatt.
How horrible! Have we seen Uekman on the field this year?
John, in answer to your question–yes, he’s played this year. And yes it is very sad for his family, friends, and teammates.
This is tragic. The hogs should play LSU in his memory. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Garrett’s family.
It is truly tragic. Our thoughts to out to his family. Rest in peace Garrett.
I am at a loss of words. My prayers to his family and loved ones. Life is truly precious and sometimes we take for granted. May he rest in peace.
Not much we can say right now, just pray for his family.
Makes me want to go and hug both my teenage sons right now… Terrible news.
Thoughts and prayers to his family, the players, and the University of Arkansas. What a terrible tragedy
A jolting shock to say the least and a tragedy… Prayers go out to Uekman’s fam … a truely sad, cruel dose of reality that enforces the proper perspective of how life is but a moment and our moments are so very precious and few.
This is horrible and so very sad. Yes, pray for his family.
This is a sad day for Arkansas.
what happened? How did he die?
His death is currently unknown, but an autopsy is being done to determine the nature.
I read one report from Dudley Dawson that stated one of his sources claims Garrett woke up this morning, played some video games, then laid back down for a nap, which he never awoke from. Very sad news.
SO SAD, SO YOUNG, SO TRAGIC. Puts things in perspective. R.I.P., GU.
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Garrett’s family and to the Razorback coaches and players. May this bring everyone closer in this tough time.
I’m very sorry for this loss. Garrett had a bright future. Very sad! I believe God will be with him though, and he will be helping us from above on Friday..
To the Uekman’s, the razorback football family and the entire arkansas nation my condelensces. We will where a heavy burden this week. May you all have peace in your heart. Please let’s win this game for him because he was a huge hog fan and fellow brother of hawg nation. You all will be in my prayers.
Like a kick in the stomach. From what I have heard he bled Hog blood and was living his dream as a Razorback in Fayetteville. To all of his family, team mates, coaches and friends I express my sympathy and offer my prayers. The rest of the season surely won’t seem the same. God Bless GU……..
My heart and prayers are with his family, this truly puts this season in perspective for me as it is after all just a game. No matter how this season ends it will be only enjoyed by me and other fans im sure with a heavy heart. May god comfort the Uekman family, coaches, players, and freinds. Garrett you will live on in the Razorback Traditions my freind.
The only way Arkansas can honor their fallen teammate is to do what he would do if he were still with you, go out and play the game of your lives, and give the game ball to the family.
What a tragedy. I can’t imagine how his family must feel right now. Life is precious, but we don’t often realize that until something like this happens. My prayers are with his friends and family.
Our heart is heavy to hear the news of Garrett Uekman. Our prayers are for peace and comfort for the Uekman family. Like everyone has said in their posts, Life is precious! We should live day by day. There is no guarantee of tomorrow~ Prayers are with the Razorback team and staff.
I’m very sorry for his lost. It tragic and it must be very emotion for his family as well. There must be a lot of confusion and heartbreak. They are in my prayers. I do not know anything ababout this young man but from what I’ve read on articals, he was a great and loyal friend. A perfect son and awesome teammate. Life would seem unfair after something like this happening to him but the team should shurlly play its best for his sake. He be watching over his favorite team and friends play the sport he loves. God bless him and may he rest in peace.
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 their 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.
Very well said, Steveo27.
From a Tiger fan, just puts this game in perspective…It is just a game, however life is not. Our hearts go out to his family and friends and the entire Hog nation. My God be with his family…
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