This is just horrible news to report on a young promising football player having his life end at such a young age.
An incoming freshman student and WR at Trinity College died earlier this week after the school said Avery Gilbert was found by a fellow teammate in the Johnson Hall entryway collapsed.
Avery Gilbert, who had been on campus for just three days, was unresponsive and not breathing, according to the school. The incident was reportedly related to a pre-existing medical condition ‘triggered by an allergen,’ school officials said.
EMS responded and administered life-saving measures before transporting him to an area hospital. He was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Gilbert was a 2022 graduate of Grayslake North High School. The school said he was known for his “infectious energy, generosity, and joy.”
Full statement from Trinity College on Avery Gilbert’s death:
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Last night Trinity College students, faculty, and staff gathered together in the Chapel to grieve, process, and pray through the tragic and unexpected death of incoming freshman student and football player Avery Gilbert, just his third day on campus. Prior to the prayer meeting, Camie and I were able to meet briefly with Avery’s parents and other family members at the local hospital, to learn more about who Avery was and what he was like-and to grieve with them.Stunned and deeply saddened by his death, we took the opportunity at last night’s prayer meeting to find comfort first from God and then from one another. In John’s Gospel we are told that when the young man Lazarus died, Jesus went to the tomb to grieve with the sisters, Martha and Mary, as well as to extend hope, reminding everyone that in God’s eyes Lazarus had only “fallen asleep.”
Yesterday, friends, our Lazarus fell asleep and through our prayer time, Jesus also met us to grieve with us and to extend resurrection hope.Earlier in the day yesterday, Avery was found by a fellow teammate in the Johnson Hall entryway collapsed and soon unresponsive and not breathing-all apparently related to a pre-existing medical condition triggered by an allergen. Arriving within minutes of being called, EMS quickly administered CPR and other life-saving measures, supported by Trinity’s Security Chief Aron Forch, before transporting Avery to Highland Park Hospital. He passed away at approximately 1:30 PM (CST). At this point, the Lake County Coroner has not yet officially determined the cause of death.
We will keep you apprised of appropriate details as more information becomes available.A 2022 graduate of Grayslake North High School, Avery hailed from Lake Villa, Illinois, and was known for his infectious energy, generosity, and joy. Talking to Avery’s family and Head Football Coach Willie Tillman, from the very first day he showed up on campus, Avery was “all in,” ready to participate in community life and to be the best student and best wide receiver he could be.I regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet this remarkable man, at least not in this life. In due course, we will be holding a memorial service in Avery’s honor (stay tuned for details).
For now, Coach Tillman has also informed me that the 2022 Trojan football season will be dedicated to Avery Gilbert as we honor his name and #87.I am grateful to our many counseling faculty and staff who cut short their break in order to provide immediate support in the wake of the tragic news. Coach Tillman also shared with me that although the team is devastated by the news, his coaching staff will be working hard to ensure that our Trojan football players receive all the support they need.”
