Basketball - Ruptured Blood Vessel Killed Player

Last week Toledo center Haris Charalambous died during conditioning. According to preliminary autopsy results released on Tuesday, the death of the player has been cause by the rupture of a blood vessel to his heart.

Dr. James Patrick, Lucas County coroner, explained that the rupture of Charalambous' aortic arch on Monday caused blood to fill the sac around his heart and stopped it from beating. The doctor added that such a rupture is a common cause of sudden death. However several weeks of further testing is needed to determine why the rupture occurred.

Players had just begun their workout on the day the incident happened. They were doing some light running when Charalambous collapsed. Trainers had a quick emergency response. They performed CPR less than a minute after he collapsed and they called immediately 911 according to university officials. Unfortunately their efforts were not enough to save the player’s life. Charalambous’ death was pronounced at a hospital.

The 21-year-old British player, originating from Manchester, was expected to be a backup center this season. He played 23 games last season averaging less than a point per game. His death provoked agreat shock among the university, the team and the coaching staff.

A memorial service has been scheduled on campus on Wednesday. University officials are forecast to accompany Charalambous's body back to England later this week to express their condolences to his family in person. An endowment in his name will also be established to award a scholarship annually to a member of the men's basketball team.