Who was Mercer student Baba Agbaje and what happened to him?

A 21-YEAR-OLD college football player tragically died after suddenly collapsing during a game on Monday April 10, 2023.

Baba Agbaje, a student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest in the field.

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Who was Baba Agbaye?

The young man, whom friends call Baba, studied finance at Georgian College.

He joined the Bears men’s soccer team with his brother Salam in 2019 and played 18 games, including four starts, during his varsity career.

In the fall of 2022 he completed his final season with the Bears.

The 21-year-old midfielder was named to the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Before college, he played at McIntosh High School in Fayette County and was named Fayette County Boy’s Co-Player of the Year in 2019 by Fayette County News.

What happened to Baba Agbaje?

The student-athlete had been playing an intermittent pick-up football game on April 10, 2023, when he reportedly suddenly collapsed on the field.

The cause of death has not yet been clarified, an autopsy is planned.

Mercer University said it mourns the loss of Baba, according to its newspaper The Den.

Mercer President William D. Underwood said, “Our hearts go out to the Agbaje family at their tragic loss and we ask the Mercer family to keep them in their thoughts and prayers.

“Baba was a standout student, was included in the Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll, and was a valued teammate to other members of the football team.

“Words cannot express the extent of our sadness at Baba’s death.”

Men’s football head coach Brad Ruzzo said in a statement: “We are heartbroken at Baba’s passing and our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.

“He was an incredible person who embodied what it means to be a Mercer Bear. Everyone who knew Baba loved him and he was a blessing to the trainer. He will be greatly missed.”

The university offers students support and advice.