Sophomore University of Rhode Island student-athlete, Joseph Paul Ciancola, 20, of Orange, Conn. died yesterday afternoon at Rhode Island Hospital.
According to Eyewitness News, Ciancola, a pitcher for the Rhody Rams was participating in a preseason conditioning workout with the team on Oct. 24 when he collapsed. Athletes told Eyewitness News he fainted while the team was participating in "Hell Week," which they participate in intense and rigorous physical fitness activities.
Eyewitness News discovered "that coaches alerted other sports teams about the invident at practices Tuesday, while urging them to stay hydrated."
According to gorhody.com, the workout was "held under the supervision of a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified coach. Gorhody.com said Ciancola was transported from the university to the South County Hospital. From there he was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.
President of URI David Dooley, in a statement, said Ciancola was a beloved member of the baseball team and will be missed "more than is possible to say."
"We send all of our sympathy, hopes, and prayers to Joe's family. We pray that our shared memories of Joe, and his love for baseball and for life, will be a comfort to all who mourn his passing," Dooley said.
Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn also released a statement on the passing of Ciancola.
"It is a tragedy any time you lose someone close to you," Bjorn said. "Even more so when it is a member of your family."
Bjorn said in the statement that Ciancola will continue to be a part of the URI athletics family.
"On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators, I want to express our profound sadness for Joe's passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and many friends. We mourn his loss and offer our thoughts and prayers to those closest with him," Bjorn said.
More information to follow in Tuesday's edition of the Cigar.
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