CORVALLIS, Oregon - A medical examiner says Oregon State defensive tackle Fred Thompson who died during a basketball game had an enlarged heart.
Thompson was playing basketball at Dixon Recreation Center on the university's campus when he collapsed. He was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis.
Dr. Karen Gunson said today that the 19-year-old had increased thickness of the heart muscle, which can cause an irregular heartbeat during strenuous exercise. She says the condition is a common cause of death in young athletes who seem completely healthy but die during heavy exercise.
Thompson's family asked that his skin, bones and eyes be donated.
Thompson spent this season recovering from shoulder surgery and was considered a grayshirt, but he was expected to compete for a starting role.
