NU Football Player Rashidi Wheeler Dies During Conditioning Drills
8/3/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2001
EVANSTON, Ill. - Rashidi Wheeler, a senior safety on the Northwestern University football team, collapsed and died during preseason conditioning drills on Friday. An initial report from the Cook County medical examiner indicated that bronchial asthma was the cause of death.
More information on the death, which was not heat-related, was not immediately available.
"Our hearts go out to Rashidi's family at this time," said Rick Taylor, Northwestern's director of intercollegiate athletics. "I'd like to express our deepest sympathies and our condolences."
A Northwestern athletic trainer was present at the time the conditioning drill was being conducted. When Wheeler collapsed, the trainer administered first aid and CPR while the Evanston Fire Department paramedics were summoned.
Wheeler, from Ontario, Calif., started all 12 games for the Wildcats last year at strong safety. He finished third on the team with 88 tackles.
"This is a terrible tragedy for Rashidi's family and for the team." said Northwestern head coach Randy Walker. "A sudden loss like this is difficult to comprehend."
In a prepared statement from the West Coast, President Henry S. Bienen said, "I was shocked and saddened to learn of the death yesterday of Rashidi Wheeler, one of our students who is a member of the Northwestern football team. I join the entire Northwestern community in expressing our deepest sorrow to the members of Rashidi's family and to his teammates. A loss such as this affects the entire University community. Together, we offer our condolences and sympathy."
