A Mississippi college football player died following a game due to “medical complications,” sending shockwaves through the collegiate sports community. Emanuell Cooks, a freshman offensive lineman for Mississippi Delta Community College, passed away after a match against Hinds Community College on Thursday.

“Our entire Trojan family is devastated by this loss,” MDCC President Dr. Steven Jones said in a statement. “At this time, our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Emanuell’s family, teammates, coaches, and friends. We will come together as a community to support one another through this tragedy.”

The 6-foot-5, 340-pound Cooks, from Elba, Alabama, played in all four games this season for Mississippi Delta (0-4). The school, located in Moorhead, is set to host Itawamba on Sept. 25. Counseling and support services have been made available for students, faculty, and staff.

Hinds President Dr. Stephen Vacik emphasized the risks faced by athletes: “While we as spectators are watching passionately and imagining ourselves as part of the game, it is the players who are giving their all physically. Their safety is always more important than any outcome on the scoreboard… When we lose a student-athlete in the prime of his life, it is a sobering reminder how precious our time here on Earth really is.”

Cooks’ cause of death has not been disclosed. His passing adds to a tragic list of young athletes who have died under similar circumstances. Earlier this year, Cincinnati freshman offensive lineman Jeremiah Kelly died unexpectedly at 18. In July, Ole Miss Rebels freshman Corey Adams was killed in a Tennessee shooting. A 17-year-old high school golfer, Hadden Kelly, collapsed and died in Georgia, while DePaul University student Chase Stegall was found dead in his residence hall earlier this year.