Reserve Defensive Tackle Dies of Heart Attack |
CLEMSON, SC -- The Clemson football program suffered another tragic blow Saturday night when reserve defensive tackle Brandon Rouse died from massive cardiac arrest at a Clemson movie theatre.
The native of Darlington, South Carolina was 20-years old. “He was in the movie theatre downtown with several other football players and he kind of slumped over. They called 911 and took him to the hospital and did all the things they needed to do to try and revive him and he didn’t make it,” said Clemson Director of Student-Athlete Enrichment Bill D’Andrea. “The coroner confirmed that it was caused by a cardiac arrhythmia and that it was a congenital heart defect.” D’Andrea also added that Rouse had no history of medical problems. A three-year starter in both football and basketball while a Darlington High School, Rouse earned the nickname “Mr. Clutch” after hitting three game winning shots as a basketball player. Darlington head football coach Gerald Henderson struggled to come to terms with Rouse’s passing late Sunday afternoon. “It’s hard. He was a great kid with a bright future in front of him. He did the things that you want young people to do, to put himself in a position to get ahead for himself and his family. It’s shocking that it comes to an end at such an early age,” Henderson said. “Oh man, he was such a lovable kid who was as friendly as he could be.” After redshirting his first year at Clemson, Rouse failed to see game action last season. Rouse’s death marks the second tragic incident to affect the Tigers in the past six months. In November, reserve running back Javis Austin suffered head injuries from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Upgrade Your Account
Unlock premium boards and exclusive features (e.g. ad-free) by upgrading your account today.
Upgrade Now
