FSU Player Dies During Workout

Florida State linebacker Devaughn Darling collapsed and died Monday after an early-morning, offseason workout.

The 18-year-old linebacker from Houston was stricken shortly after 7 a.m. He had just finished intensive agility and conditioning drills with teammates, including his twin brother, at the football complex.

The cause of death was not immediately determined. An autopsy, requested by school police, will be done Tuesday.

"This is standard procedure in a death of this nature," Lt. Jack Handley said of the autopsy request. "We're currently doing the death investigation."

Brother Devard Darling, coach Bobby Bowden and other players and coaches were at the hospital when the player was pronounced dead by an emergency room physician.

"Obviously it's a very emotional time for everyone associated with our program," athletic director David Hart said. "We're all in a state of shock."

Bowden was spending the rest of the day with the Darling family.

The school deployed about 10 counselors and team chaplain Clint Purvis to meet with teammates. Many were still sobbing several hours later as they talked in disbelief.

"Tragedies are never something you get through very easily," Hart said. "We will continue to focus on our players first and foremost."

The Garnet and Gold souvenir store near the campus already had changed its sign to read: "Devaughn Darling, We Miss You."

Florida State athletes receive a physical that includes an EKG when they report for football practice in the summer, spokesman Rob Wilson said.

Devaughn Darling, one of the youngest players on the team, started on special teams last season as a freshman. He was to begin spring practice next week as a starter at outside linebacker.

He was credited with 11 tackles in seven games during the season, including two solo stops against Clemson.

Although tragedy has visited the football team two other times in the last 15 years, this was the first time a death resulted during an organized school activity.

In 1992, Michael Hendricks was electrocuted during a visit home. In 1986, offensive tackle Pablo Lopez was killed in a campus shooting.

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