LUT WILLIAMS, BCSP Editor
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Union University announced Monday that 19-year old Quandarius Wilburn, a 6-4, 230 pound defensive end on the Panthers’ football team, collapsed during a workout Sunday and later died.
Wilburn was participating in conditioning drills Sunday after attending church and then eating lunch with his teammates. He collapsed on VUU’s Hovey Field and was taken by ambulance to the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center where he died.
The news was announced in a letter by VUU President and CEO Dr. Hakim J. Lucas Monday. His letter referenced the incident per Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics and Community Wellness Joe Taylor. Taylor is the renowned former head coach and athletics director at Virginia Union, who also had a distinguished career as a head coach at Hampton and Florida A&M.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our campus community,” Dr. Lucas wrote in the letter that was published on the VUU athletics website. “I want to personally encourage each of you to keep Mr. Wilburn’s family in your prayers, as well as the VUU athletics department.
“Our primary concern is the well-being of the family and fellow students impacted by this tragedy. Virginia Union stands ready to provide support in any way necessary and is available as families and students work to process this devastating loss.”
Wilburn was from Wadley, Georgia where he played for Jefferson County High School. A cause of death has not been announced.
VUU did not play in the fall 2020 or spring 2021 season and is to begin its third season under head coach Dr. Alvin Parker on Sept. 4 at Hampton.