UMaine mourns the loss of first-year student-athlete Darius Minor

Darius Minor, a first-year University of Maine student-athlete and political science major from Locust Grove, Virginia, collapsed and died during a preseason football workout in Alfond Stadium on campus July 24. He was 18 years old.

Darius, a defensive back, was in the third week of UMaine’s Freshman Workout and taking a Summer University course when the incident occurred.

“The Athletics Department, our student-athletes and the entire campus mourn the loss of this bright and promising member of our community. We ask all to keep him, his family and his friends in your thoughts,” says UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy.

“UMaine Athletics is devastated. We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and ask that their privacy be respected,” says UMaine Interim Athletics Director James Settele.

“Words cannot express the grief we have following this tragic loss,” says UMaine head coach Joe Harasymiak. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Darius’ family and friends during this terrible time.”

Darius was one of 17 first-year student-athletes taking part in the Freshman Workout. He collapsed on the field at approximately 1:15 p.m., 15 minutes into a supervised light workout. Campus athletics training staff and local first responders were unable to resuscitate him.

Darius was a 2017 All-Central Virginia first-team wide receiver and second-team defensive back at Orange County High School in Orange, Virginia. A four-year varsity starter, Darius helped the Hornets to the postseason in three consecutive seasons.

As a senior wide receiver in 2017, he caught 57 passes for 763 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Jefferson District in all three categories. He earned All-Jefferson District first-team honors at both wide receiver and defensive back last season.

“This afternoon the CAA was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of University of Maine football student-athlete Darius Minor,” says CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio. “On behalf of the entire CAA family we extend our deepest sympathies to the University of Maine and Darius’ family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Contact: Margaret Nagle, 207.581.3745