The football community is mourning the loss of 21-year-old Bryce Stanfield, a Furman University junior and defensive lineman, who died following a medical incident at a team workout. According to reports from FOX 5 Atlanta, an autopsy determined that Stanfield's death on February 9 was caused by a pulmonary embolism, a condition not related to football activities.
Stanfield, hailing from Acworth and a former student at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, collapsed on Paladin Stadium field during the workout on February 7 and was promptly hospitalized, after which he never recovered and he was from Newnan; he was placed on life support at Greenville Memorial Hospital before his death. The young player had a promising season last year, contributing to Furman's Southern Conference championship, their eight-game winning streak, and their march into the FCS quarterfinals.
A statement from the university conveyed its "heartfelt condolences to Bryce’s family and friends in this time of profound loss," as reported by WSB-TV. Furman University President Davis stressed the importance of community support and seeking help during such tragic times.
Eulogizing their son's “mega-watt” smile and his ability to “lift up the room when he was there,” his parents expressed, in an obituary, how deeply he will be missed, he was a beautiful soul and a loving son, and he had a dream to attend dental school after finishing his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences which was conferred posthumously. Stanfield, who also enjoyed reading to kids at local schools, was remembered for being an uplifting presence both on and off the field.
