MU football player dies after collapsing at practice

Aaron O'Neal, a redshirt freshman on MU's football team, died Tuesday after collapsing at a voluntary practice.

University Hospital Public Relations Manager Mary Jenkins confirmed the death of O'Neal. She would not release the cause of death, but did confirm that O'Neal was brought to the hospital.

Dori Burke, a death investigator for the Boone County Medical Examiner's office, said that O'Neal died at 4:05 p.m. in the emergency room of the hospital. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Christian Basi, a spokesman for MU said that the university is currently focusing on O'Neal's family. It is trying to make accommodations for them and any needs that they might have when they arrive from O'Neal's hometown of Creve Coeur, a suburb of St. Louis. The university is also trying to make counselors available to O'Neal's teammates and friends.

O'Neal, 19, was a sophomore at MU and redshirted his freshman year. O'Neal was a four-sport standout at Parkway North High School in St. Louis County.

He rushed for 1,562 yards and 19 touchdowns his senior year, earning Class 5A all-state honors. He also excelled in basketball, track, and baseball.

O'Neal, a 6'3" 220-pound middle linebacker, was third on MU's preseason depth chart.

MU's football team is scheduled to begin official practices on August 8.

The football team held a short meeting at the Student Resource Center Tuesday night. Players left without comment.

Players reached by phone by the Missourian refused to comment.

Bob Bunton coached O'Neal at Parkway North.

"That's all the kid wanted to do, was play for Missouri," Bunton said to the Associated Press. ""He was so happy and doing so well. I just feel bad for his family.

"Aaron had always been a picture of health. It was something he really took pride in."