Rice mourns loss of freshman student

CONTACT: B.J. Almond
PHONE: (713) 348-6770
E-MAIL: balmond@rice.edu

Rice mourns loss of freshman student
Dale Lloyd, member of football team, died this morning

Rice University is mourning the loss of Dale Lloyd, a 19-year-old freshman football player who died this morning at Memorial Hermann hospital in the Texas Medical Center.

Lloyd collapsed on the field at Rice Stadium at approximately 5 p.m. Sunday during a light workout. He was treated immediately by EMS and then transported to Memorial Hermann’s emergency room via a Houston Fire Department ambulance. Lloyd was pronounced dead at 8:49 a.m. today. The cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dale’s family during this extremely difficult time,” said President David W. Leebron. “We are providing counselors for the university community, including the team and coaches, as we cope with this painful loss.”

Lloyd, a 2006 graduate of Lamar High School, was a resident of Lovett College and a defensive back for the Rice Owls. He played in one game for the Owls, their opener against Houston. He was a two-sport star at Lamar, earning all-district honors in baseball as well as football. Lloyd was elected to Who’s Who Among American High School Students and volunteered with the Mayor’s Youth Council.

"The Rice Owl family has suffered a devastating loss," Rice head coach Todd Graham said. "Dale was a tremendous person with the heart of a champion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, our players and coaches and the Rice family. We ask our fans to keep his family and our players, coaches and staff in their prayers.”

Lloyd is survived by his parents, Dale and Bridgette Lloyd of Houston, and two brothers.