BREAKING: Oklahoma Linebacker Austin Box Has Died

[HT: AP, NewsOK.com]

Sad news from Oklahoma as Sooner middle linebacker Austin Box has died.

In an Associated Press report, El Reno Police Chief Ken Brown says officers and medics responded Thursday morning to a call of an unresponsive male he identified as Box. Brown says Box first was taken to an Mercy Hospital in El Reno, then transferred by air ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, where he was pronounced dead.

University of Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione released the following statement:

"Austin Box will be greatly missed by his many friends and teammates in the Athletics Department and all across campus. Grief counseling is being made available to members of the team and his close friends."

OU President David Boren said "The University family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box." in a statement released by the University."

Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is overseas.

The Oklahoman reports that Box was staying at a house in El Reno, Oklahoma with J.T. Cobble, whose father is Box's high school football coach. The house is owned by Edward Metz, J.T. Cobble's grandfather.

According to Metz, his grandson was home when the paramedics were called.

Here's the breaking news report from Brian Brinkley at KFOR-TV, Oklahoma City.

 

UPDATE:

According to an El Reno Police report Box died of an overdose.

Here's part of the 911 call... thanks again from KFOR-TV

Photo Courtesy: The Oklahoman