South Dakota State football player Parsons dies

BROOKINGS, South Dakota (Ticker) - Donnie Parsons, a freshman football player for South Dakota State, died early Sunday morning, the school said.

Parsons, a 19-year-old from Omaha, Nebraska, became sick in his dorm room after returning to Brookings following Saturday's game at Winona State in Minnesota. He was taken to a hospital where he died. The news release said Parsons suffered from asthma.

BizVantage – The NOW newsletters, realtime with your content - for business, investment or technology.
Try the free, no-hassle 6 month trial!

Parsons made his collegiate debut on Saturday, playing on special teams.

"Our football family has lost a very special young man in Donnie Parsons," SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said. "What he gave to SDSU will be greatly missed. He truly made a difference in his short time at SDSU."

South Dakota State completes in Division II and is a member of the North Central Conference.