College football player Bryce Stanfield dies after experiencing medical emergency during a workout

Credit: Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

There’s been what seems like an uptick in young athletes suffering medical emergencies, leading to serious injuries and even death over the past few years. Unfortunately, the sports world has just lost another young athlete who experienced distressing health concerns after a typical workout.

Furman Paladins’ Bryce Stanfield dead at 21 years old

The latest victim is 21-year-old Bryce Stanfield of the Furman Paladins.

On Wednesday, Stanfield suffered what’s being described as a medical emergency during a workout at Paladin Stadium. Shortly after the incident occurred, Stanfield was reportedly in critical condition and on life support at the Greenville Memorial Hospital in South Carolina.

By Friday, Stanfield was dead, and as you can imagine, everyone who knew the Acworth, Georgia native hasn’t been the same since.

“We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead. There are so many more who are really hurting — namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends and the entire Furman community and beyond.”
Furman coach Clay Hendrix on Bryce Stanfield’s death

Stanfield was a junior at Paladin, where the defensive tackle played in 34 games over the past three seasons, racking up 49 tackles and seven sacks.

“Bryce was an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player and friend,” Hendrix said. “He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community.

“In every sense, he was the best representative we could have. His passing is one of the most difficult things Furman football has ever encountered, but our faith and so many wonderful memories Bryce provided us will help sustain us all in the days ahead.”

Memorial services for Stanfield will be announced at a later time.