University of Mobile basketball player Kaiden Francis died at age 18 after collapsing on campus

A college basketball player at the University of Mobile died suddenly this week at the age of 18.

Freshman Kaiden Francis died Tuesday when he collapsed on campus after working out in the university gym.

Francis was reportedly found unresponsive shortly after a weekly skills workout with the university’s coaching staff and instructors, according to the Associated Press.

Students and medical staff attempted to care for the 6-foot-11 freshman guard, but despite their valiant attempts, Francis passed away.

The cause of death is not yet known. Kathy Dean, a spokeswoman for the private, Christian-based university in Mobile, said Francis recently underwent “a series of health screenings, including heart and lung evaluations.”

‘Despite the swift and heroic efforts of students and medical professionals, Kaiden never recovered and passed away earlier today. “Our hearts are heavy as we consider this tragedy,” University President Charles Smith said in a letter to students and faculty.

Kaiden Francis, a freshman on the University of Mobile basketball team, died Tuesday.

My family and I had the privilege of watching Kaiden play just last week. He was extremely talented and clearly loved by his teammates. As you can imagine, Kaiden’s family, coaches and teammates are heartbroken and need our prayers.’

Francis, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, died after going to the gym, head basketball coach Darnell Archey said.

“Yesterday morning, Fort Lauderdale freshman quarterback Kaiden Francis passed away unexpectedly after doing what he loved to do in the gym,” the coach said in a statement on Facebook.

‘Kaiden was only scratching the surface of the field, but his smile and positive energy could be felt from day one.

‘We will really miss him and I can’t thank him enough for being apart of my life for the last few months. My heart aches for his family, friends and teammates.’

Classes were canceled Wednesday as the University of Mobile mourned the loss with a vigil on campus.

‘This will be a time for us to lift up Kaiden’s family, his teammates, and each other and ask for God’s comfort, strength, and peace. “I hope to see many of you there,” Smith said about the vigil in his speech to 2,000 students at the university.