22 YEAR OLD OKLAHOMA LINEBACKER AUSTIN BOX FOUND DEAD OF A POSSIBLE OD!

Oklahoma football player Austin Box was found unconscious at a house died later on Thursday, authorities said.

El Reno police said that paramedics were sent to a house in El Reno, Oklahoma where a friend reportedly said he believed the 22-year-old Box had overdosed, the Oklahoman reported.

A police spokesman said there were prescription drugs found at the house.

"The university family is deeply saddened by the tragic death of student-athlete Austin Box. Our hearts go out to his family and friends," Oklahoma University president David Boren said in a statement.

Box, a linebacker from Enid, Oklahoma, started the last five games for the Sooners last season after missing the first half of the season with a back injury.

He earned his degree last weekend, but still had another season of eligibility and planned to play in the fall.

Sooners coach Bob Stoops was traveling at the time of Box's death, according to the newspaper, but released a statement saying "We're all shocked and heartbroken."

"Austin was a great young man, a great young man to coach and a great teammate. He played an integral part in our success the last three years and was looking forward to a big senior year," he said. "As heart-wrenching as this is for us, we know it's even more difficult for his family. More than anything, our thoughts and prayers are with them."

On Twitter, Box's teammates began to express their shock and dismay at Box's death.

"Austin Box the sooner family will miss you brother! You are in a better place," redshirt freshman quarterback Blake Bell tweeted.

By Thursday afternoon more than 1,000 people joined a Facebook group "RIP Austin Box".

"Heaven needed a linebacker," one mourner wrote.


SOURCE