Doug Schmied, age 21, died at Illinois Wesleyan Univeristy

[SharonBates]

The Sports Page

Friday, August 26, 2005

Illinois Wesleyan Mourns the Death of Football Co-Captain

Illinois Wesleyan University senior Doug Schmied, a co-captain on the Titans football team, died on Wednesday, August 24, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. A Hanna City, Ill., native and graduate of Farmington High School, the 21-year-old Schmied became ill following a morning practice on Friday, August 19, and was taken immediately to BroMenn Regional Medical Center in Normal, then transported to Saint Francis on Sunday, August 21, after his condition worsened. An accounting/computer science major at Illinois Wesleyan, the 6-foot-3, 285-pound Schmied was a two-year starter as an offensive lineman for the Titans. “Doug Schmied’s death is an unspeakable tragedy and leaves all of us at Illinois Wesleyan shocked and saddened," said Illinois Wesleyan President Richard F. Wilson. "We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Doug’s family and friends. We have lost a valued member of our community.” Members of the University's Office of Counseling and Consultation were meeting with football team members and other students on Wednesday evening. “This is a devastating loss for everyone who knew Doug," said Illinois Wesleyan head football coach Norm Eash. "As a co-captain, he led by example, and he earned the respect and admiration of every player and coach on our football team as well as other students at the University.” Officials are planning for a memorial service on the campus, but a date has not been set.

[Lisa Salberg]

This appears to be a heat stroke related death. According to one report he was brought to the hospital last week with a body temp of 108. Such a shame - our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Lisa