AU student dies while playing basketball on campus

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) - An Anderson University football player died Thursday when he collapsed playing basketball on campus.

According to an AU release, Xavier Walton was playing basketball in the Kardatzke Wellness Center when he collapsed. He was rushed to Community Hospital where he later died. The cause of death was not known as of Friday afternoon.

"Xavier was a very gifted student with wide interests," said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. "He loved his art and was known for skills in drawing. He loved music of all kinds, and he loved to be involved in all the moments of student activity. We are all deeply saddened that such a promising young man would pass from us, but we celebrate all we have come to know about him and hold his family, classmates, roommates, teammates, and his many friends in our love and prayers."

Classmates and school staff gathered for a time of prayer for Walton and his family Thursday night in Reardon Auditorium.

Walton, a Gary native, was a sophomore studying visual communication and design. He was a defensive lineman on the AU football team.