Anderson University lineman dies

Published Feb. 15, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

An Anderson University football player has died after he collapsed in an intramural basketball game.

In a statement Friday, the central Indiana college said sophomore Xavier Walton was playing basketball in the Kardatzke Wellness Center when he collapsed Thursday night. The northwest Indiana native died later at a hospital in Anderson, about 30 miles northeast of Indianapolis.

An autopsy was performed Friday, but the Madison County coroner didn't immediately release the cause of death.

Walton was a defensive lineman and was studying visual communication and design. He had graduated from the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy in Gary.

Classmates and school staff held prayers for Walton and his family Thursday night in Reardon Auditorium.