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Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl dies following workout at Winona State

Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl (fightingillini.com)
Former Illinois OL Shawn Afryl (fightingillini.com)

Former Illinois offensive lineman Shawn Afryl died of cardiac arrest on Monday evening after he collapsed during a practice at Winona State in Minnesota.

Afryl, 22, spent three seasons with the Illini from 2010-2012, took a season off and then recently signed with Winona State for his final season of eligibility.

He had no known prior medical conditions.

Curtis Tate, who coached Afryl at Niles West, told the Chicago Tribune paramedics were unable to revive Afryl and he was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Illinois released a statement expresses its condolences.

"All of us in the Fighting Illini football family are greatly saddened by Shawn's passing last night," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said. "He was a great teammate and a dedicated student. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Afryl played in just one game with the Illini — against Charleston Southern in 2012 — and graduated with a degree in political science in 2013.

His mother Sue posted a request for donations to pay for the funeral on the website gofundme.com.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!