Tragedy Strikes: DT Fred Thompson has died

FRED THOMPSON, A freshman defensive tackle this season who likely would have played and perhaps started had he not injured his shoulder, has suddenly and tragically passed away.

The Beavs' Fred Thompson (6-4, 317), who would have celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, died of a heart attack on Wednesday.

According to OSU officials, Thompson was playing basketball at Dixon Recreation Center on the OSU campus when he collapsed. He was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis where he was pronounced dead.

Thompson was looked at as being one of the Beavs' top DTs and potential starters for OSU in 2012.

OSU head football coach Mike Riley was off-campus recruiting at the time. He is now en route back to Corvallis.

Oregon State will hold a press conference sometime on Thursday.

Several Beavs took to twitter to express their feeling of loss on Wednesday night.

CB Jordan Poyer: “R.I.P Fred Im really gonna miss you bro..My prayers go to you and your family.”

WR Obum Gwacham: “R.I.P. Fred Thompson. Pray for this young man everyone.”

RB Malcolm Agnew tweeted: “Wow, don’t even know what to say right now.”

CB James Dockery tweeted: “Man I’m just taken back right now! R.I.P. Fred..life is too short. My prayers to his family and all of Beaver Nation, you will be missed.”