Oregon State player Thompson, 19, dies

Published Dec. 7, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

An Oregon State Police spokesman says a defensive tackle who collapsed during a pick-up basketball game and died was stricken so suddenly that even if emergency personnel had been on the scene they likely could not have saved him.

Lt. Gregg Hastings says there is no evidence of a crime in the death of Oregon State freshman Fred Thompson on Wednesday night.

An autopsy will be conducted on Friday to determine the cause of death, but Hastings said it appeared Thompson likely suffered cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat that in certain conditions can lead to death.

Oregon coach Mike Riley said Thursday that Thompson had no history of heart issues. He knew of no family history, either.

Thompson was to turn 20 on Sunday.