SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — Friday, a South Carolina university community received word that one of their own, a 21-year-old football player from Acworth, had passed away.
Earlier in the week, Bryce Stanfield was rushed to the hospital following a medical emergency during a workout, and after two days on life support, Furman University announced he'd died.
The loss has impacted not only his teammates and coaches but also the wider community. Following the announcement, staff gathered for a press conference to remember Stanfield and share more about what he meant to them and the school.
Bryce Stanfield, known for his vibrant personality and dedication both on and off the field, was deeply involved in various activities beyond football.
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As shared by Jason Cassidy, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Bryce was an active participant in the "Men of Distinction" program, where he mentored middle school boys in the community, served as a positive role model and engaged in activities like basketball and reading sessions at elementary schools.
"Talking to some of his roommates, he was (also) in the Grill Club, which is a group that just gets together, and they love to grill out," Cassidy said. "And his roommates enjoyed it when he would bring some extra grilled steak back to the apartment."
Standfield was, first and foremost, a student. He was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree, which Jason Donnelly, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, said was extremely important to him and his parents to finish.
"President Elizabeth Davis was there (at the hospital), and she was able to confer a degree to him," Jason Donnelly, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, said. "So he is a Furman graduate."
The ceremony was held among his family and friends, including the football team.
The profound impact of Stanfield's passing was evident by the memories shared by everyone present, including Furman University Head Football Coach Clay Hendrix, who expressed the difficulty of grappling with such a tragedy.
"Nothing. Nothing's been easy for three days," Hendrix said, adding later, "We all want to ask about why. And you know, hopefully, we'll find some things out, you know, but you know, again, I believe the good Lord has a plan for all of us. And he doesn't make mistakes, as somebody told me."
The Furman University community is coming together to honor Bryce's memory. Plans for a memorial service on campus are underway, allowing students, faculty, staff and the greater Greenville community to pay their respects and support Bryce Stanfield's family.
Extensive support resources were made available to students, including counseling and chaplaincy support, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary assistance.
Read the university's full statement on Stanfield's passing online here.