Jogger dies after collapsing in front of UI police station
URBANA – The Champaign County coroner said he's not sure what killed a University of Illinois student who collapsed in front of the UI police station Monday morning.
Coroner Duane Northrup said Vincent J. Clarkson, 20, of Elburn was pronounced dead at 10:17 a.m. at the Provena Covenant Medical Center emergency room in Urbana. An autopsy showed no signs of trauma nor any suspicion of meningitis. He said a cause of death would have to wait until toxicology tests are completed.
UI Associate Chancellor for Public Affairs Robin Kaler said Mr. Clarkson was jogging in front of the UI Police Department, 110 W. Springfield Ave., at the time of his death.
"As he was passing the police department, he collapsed," Kaler said. "On the surveillance camera, you could see him stop, reach up and touch his head, then fall to the ground."
Associate Dean of Students Rhonda Kirts said Mr. Clarkson majored in architecture in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. Kaler said Mr. Clarkson was a member of the Alpha Rho Chi architecture fraternity, where he served as social chairman.
"The Dean of Students office has met with members of his fraternity, and the Counseling Center is providing support," Kaler said.
Mr. Clarkson was born Oct. 23, 1988, in Hindsdale, a son of Joe and Sue Clarkson. In 2007, he graduated from St. Charles High School, where he was a member of the state champion rugby team. He toured England and Wales as part of the Illinois State All-Star Rugby Team.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 408 Cedar St., St. Charles. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles.
He is survived by his parents; two sisters, Margaret and Sarah Clarkson; his maternal grandparents, James and Marge Mullins; and his paternal grandparents, Vincent and Sheila Clarkson.
The family asks that contributions be made to the Illinois Youth Rugby Association to support players that may not have the opportunity to experience rugby like he did.
Northup said Mr. Clarkson's death is being investigated by UI police and the Champaign County coroner's office.
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