University of Mobile freshman Kaiden Francis died at the age of 18 after collapsing on campus Tuesday (November 19) morning, President Charles Smith announced in a statement shared on the university’s website.
“As many of you now know, Kaiden Francis, a freshman basketball player from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, collapsed on campus this morning,” Smith said. “Despite the quick and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals, Kaiden never recovered and passed away earlier today. Our hearts are heavy as we process this tragedy.
“My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play just last week. He was profoundly gifted and clearly loved by his teammates. As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches, and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.”
Kathy Dean, a spokesperson for the University of Mobile, told the Associated Press that Francis was found unresponsive after completing his weekly skills workout with coaches and trainers. The 18-year-old’s cause of death was not publicly released as of Friday (November 22).
Francis recently passed “a battery of health screenings, including heart and lung evaluations” prior to his death, Dean told the AP.
“None of these tests indicated health concerns,” she added. “Out of respect for the family, we have no plans to comment further at this time.”
The University of Mobile held a two-hour campus-wide memorial service on Wednesday (November 20) and postponed its game against Southern University at New Orleans initially scheduled for that same night. Francis recorded 10 points off the bench during Mobile’s 81-49 win against No. 20 Life University on Saturday (November 16).
Mobile is ranked No. 24 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics poll and is 6-0 (2-0 Southern States Athletic Conference) to start the season.
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