Ex-Florida State basketball player Michael Ojo has passed away at the age of 27 after suffering a heart attack.
Ojo is said to have collapsed last Friday while practicing with Serbian pro basketball team Partizan at the team facility.
The 7’1″, 310-lb center was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a statement, Florida State said the player was one who was always friendly and had a positive impact.
“We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and former teammates of Michael,” the statement said.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Ojo. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his former teammates 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Z7vTTE3p7s
— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) August 7, 2020
“Michael was a team captain, Florida State graduate and a valued member of the Tallahassee community. He always had a smile on his face and never met a stranger.
“He will forever be remembered for the positive impact he had on the Seminole family.”
Born in Nigeria, Ojo made the journey to the US to pursue a career in soccer, but later grew interest in basketball.
Former FSU player Trent Forrest and former teammate of Ojo described his passing as a tough one.
“This definitely a tough one man.. One of the best dudes I done came across,” Forrest wrote on Twitter.
“Was the first to welcome me to fsu and was nothing short of a big brother my freshman year and even after.. it’s crazy to think we was just talking about life last week.. Gone miss ya fasho O!!”
