Ethan Dietz, a sophomore and forward for Connors State College’s basketball team, died tragically following a head injury sustained during a game. School officials confirmed the death, citing the injury as the cause, and the college plans to honor him with a vigil.
The incident occurred during a men’s basketball game on Saturday, and Dietz passed away the following day, November 25. School spokesperson Shannon Rigsby stated that initial reports indicated Diety suffered some type of head injury. The Cowboy community, including the team and students, is processing their grief as they mourn the loss of a valued member who exemplified hard work and teamwork.
Several basketball games were canceled in the wake of the tragedy, reflecting the profound impact of Dietz’s death. The college announced that a vigil in his honor is scheduled for December 1 on campus in Warner, Oklahoma.
Dietz, a 6-foot-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, was averaging 11 points per game through eight contests this season. He contributed eight points and four rebounds in 20 minutes of play before the injury occurred.