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Tragedy at NMU

No foul play suspected in football player’s sudden death

Anthony Herbert

MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University officials say no foul play is suspected in the death of a 20-year-old NMU Wildcat football player who died suddenly in his dormitory room Tuesday morning.

Anthony Herbert, a sophomore in the construction management program from downstate Lapeer, died around 8 a.m. in his room at Spaulding Hall, according to university spokesman Derek Hall.

Hall said Herbert participated in an early morning workout before going to breakfast and then back to his room, where he had a medical emergency.

EMTs arrived on the scene quickly, but were unable to revive Herbert, Hall said.

NMU Public Safety Detective Guy LaPlante said the department is awaiting word from the medical examiner regarding the cause of Herbert’s death.

In a message to students and university personnel, NMU President Fritz Erickson said NMU is “providing counseling services to those impacted who need help to deal with this loss. We will be talking with Anthony’s family on their wishes regarding memorial/funeral services and will keep the campus informed as those details become available.”

Hall said the university counseling staff was involved in outreach much of the day on Tuesday.

Herbert joined the NMU football program in 2015, according an NMU athletics press release. He played in every game this past season as NMU’s starting left guard.

Herbert received all-GLIAC academic team honors for his strong performance in the classroom during the 2016 fall semester, the release said.

NMU Director of Athletics Forrest Karr said Herbert’s passing will be felt by many in the campus community.

“He made a positive impact on our campus and was everything we hope for in a student-athlete. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates and friends, and we are focused on supporting them during this difficult time,” Karr said.

NMU head football coach Kyle Nystrom said Herbert was respected by his coaches and teammates.

“In my brief time with Anthony, I could tell that he was a great young man. (He) was a young man we could rely on,” Nystrom said. “We are devastated by this tragedy, and we are praying for his family in this time of crisis.”

Hall said the university’s focus will continue to be on Herbert’s family and friends as they cope with their loss. He said the NMU’s Dean of Students Office reached out to the family on Tuesday.

“Whatever they need, we are here to help,” Hall said. “Northern Michigan is providing counseling services to anyone who needs to speak with someone about this tragic loss.”

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-486-4401. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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