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Published
by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. CLICK FOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
Saturday, August 4, 2001
College player dies at practice
Associated Press
EVANSTON, Ill. - Rashidi Wheeler, a starting safety on the Northwestern team that tied for the Big Ten title last season, collapsed and died Friday during conditioning drills.
An initial medical report said the death did not appear to be heat-related, the school said. It said more information will not be available until an autopsy is conducted.
A spokesman for the Cook County Medical Examiner's office also said he didn't believe the death was heat-related because temperatures were in the low 80s in the Chicago area Friday.
The 22-year-old senior's death came two days after Minnesota Vikings tackle Korey Stringer died of heatstroke suffered during a practice. A high school player in Indiana died Wednesday after collapsing the previous afternoon during practice.
A Northwestern trainer was present at the drills and administered first aid and CPR when Wheeler collapsed, the school said. Evanston Fire Department paramedics also were summoned to the scene.
"This is a terrible tragedy for Rashidi's family and for the team," Wildcats coach Randy Walker said. "A sudden loss like this is difficult to comprehend."
Wheeler started all 12 games as a junior last season, finishing with 88 tackles, a fumble recovery and three pass breakups. He played in eight games as a sophomore and five games as a freshman.
The sociology major starred at Damien High School in Ontario, Calif., where he lettered in football, track and basketball.
"Our hearts go out to Rashidi's family at this time," Northwestern athletic director Rick Taylor said. "I'd like to express our deepest sympathies and our condolences."
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