Arkansas Football Player’s Death Overshadows BCS Success

Sophomore Razorback football player Garrett Uekman was found unconscious and unresponsive in his room on campus at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. Emergency medical crews were called but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at Washington Regional Medical Center on Sunday afternoon.

Uekman, 19, from Little Rock, was a sophomore majoring in applied exercise science in the College of Education and Health Professions.  He was a redshirt freshman on the Arkansas Razorback football team, where he played tight end.

University Police Lt. Matt Mills said that the cause of Uekman’s death is not known at this time, but there are no suspicious circumstances. Uekman was last seen playing video games by a roommate at about 10:15 a.m. and appeared to be in good health.  Another roommate found him unconscious about an hour later. Emergency services were called at 11:17 a.m., and the first responders were on the scene at 11:20 a.m. Uekman was in cardiac arrest when responders arrived and was pronounced dead at approximately 12:10 p.m. at Washington Regional Medical Center.

His body will be sent to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Later tonight, UA Athletic Director Jeff Long and Razorback football coach Bobby Petrino will hold a press conference.

The Razorback football team had improved their record to 10-1 and are preparing for a showdown with No. 1 ranked LSU on Friday. The Razorbacks are ranked No. 3 in the country.