Ole Miss Player Dies After Workout

((HT: Jackson Clarion-Ledger/Brandt))

Bennie Abram, a walk-on safety at Ole Miss, died this afternoon after collapsing during the first day of conditioning workouts on campus.

The reason behind the death is still being investigated by the Lafayette County Coroner's ((MS)) Officer and could take up to several months to conclude.

Abram, 20, played at Itawamba Community College in the 2009 season.
He joined Ole Miss this spring as a non-scholarship player.

Abram ((Pictured, thanks Jackson Clarion-Ledger/ICC)) was responsible for 45 tackles his sophomore season at ICC with four sacks. He was a starting safety and an academic All-American last year.

"Bennie was one of the highest character kids we've ever had here at ICC,” said Jon Williams to the Clarion-Ledger's David Brandt. Williams is the ICC head coach, and was an assistant when Abrams there.

“... (Abram was a) gifted athlete but also a gifted person. The main thing we need to know is everyone should rest knowing where Bennie is today because he had a strong faith and he exhibited that on a daily basis."

Ole Miss, in a press release, had the following on the Abram death:

"Abram, a junior from Southaven, was taken to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing during the first day of the football team's routine conditioning. The session began early this morning, before classes started. About 15 minutes into the conditioning portion of the session, trainers noticed that Abram was experiencing some difficulty, began administering aid and called 911. Abram died at 12:11 p.m., several hours later.

An exercise science major, Abram was enrolled in UM's School of Applied Sciences.

"We are deeply saddened over the loss of this young man. Our hearts go out to his parents and the entire Abrams family, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers throughout the days ahead." - UM Chancellor Dan Jones

"This is a tragic loss for the Abram family and the Ole Miss family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. I am thankful to our athletics training staff and the hospital staff for their professional response." - UM Athletics Director Pete Boone

"Bennie was a fine young man and a hard worker. He was a great person to be around and his loss is so tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and all who knew Bennie." - Head Football Coach Houston Nutt."

More when we know more...