Western Carolina Football Player Dies During Summer Workouts
Save Email Print
Posted: 4:39 PM Jul 9, 2009
Western Carolina Football Player Dies During Summer Workouts
Western Carolina spokesman Daniel Hooker says junior defensive back Ja'Quayvin Smalls collapsed Wednesday during voluntary workouts.
Font Size:

CULLOWHEE, N.C. (AP) — A junior defensive back at Western Carolina has died after participating in a voluntary offseason workout.

Western Carolina spokesman Daniel Hooker says Ja'Quayvin Smalls collapsed Wednesday and was pronounced dead about 7:30 p.m. at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva.

The school says he collapsed while running during an evening workout session. Observers said Smalls had complained of cramps at the beginning of sprint exercises and had been removed from the lineup to stretch.

The workout was the first for Smalls, who enrolled in Western Carolina's summer school. He had transferred from Georgia Military College, where he ranked second in tackles.

Athletic director Chip Smith says Smalls' death was especially tragic, since he was so young.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.


Click one of the pictures below to see more or to upload your own photos and videos.
Special Sections
CarSoup
Search inventory from local dealers and private sellers.
Rental Guide
Video tours to help you find your next apartment.
Double Dollar Deals
Save 50% from local merchants.
Classifieds
THE place to buy and sell items. Most ads free.
Experts
Got a question? Ask Eastern Carolina's Experts.
Business Break
Two minutes of info from local businesses.
Attorneys On Call
Free legal information on a variety of topics.
Video Home Tours
Tour Eastern Carolina homes from your computer.
WITN-TV on Facebook