Sadly, there’s some terrible and tragic news coming out of Kent, Oh., this afternoon.
In a release Wednesday, Kent State announced that offensive lineman Jason Bitsko died unexpectedly this morning. According to the school, Bitsko was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his off-campus apartment shortly before 9 a.m.
Police believe he passed away from an undetermined medical issue.
Bitsko was just 21 years old.
“Kent State University and the entire Kent community mourns his passing,” said athletic director Joel Nielsen in a statement. “We are heartbroken by the news of Jason’s death. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives he touched.”
“Our players, coaches and everyone involved with our team are hurting because he was family,” head football coach Paul Haynes said. “As a team, we will come together and get through this one day at a time.”
The school added in its release that Bitsko would’ve been entering his fourth year with the Golden Flashes and that he would’ve been the starting center this coming season.
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to everyone impacted by Bitsko’s way-too-early death.
(Photo credit: Kent State athletics)