Chapman University soccer player collapses, dies in pick-up game

A 19-year-old Chapman University soccer player died Monday night after collapsing during a pick-up soccer game, the Orange County coroner said today.

Bryce Turner, a sophomore midfielder from Louisville, Ky., collapsed about 9 p.m. and was treated almost immediately by student trainers and paramedics on the Orange campus, according to a university statement. Turner was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, where he died at 10:01 p.m.

“He was a good kid ... a hard worker above and beyond what you ask of him,” said Eddie Carrillo, head coach of the men’s soccer team. Carrillo was not present when Turner collapsed but rushed to the hospital, getting there after the young man had died. “The team is struggling,” he said.

Turner, No. 11, played for the Panthers for two years, and Carrillo recalled him playing every game his freshman season. The coach described Turner as an outstanding student and strong player who put the team first.

“Chapman is a small enough place that we all feel like we’re a family here, and we have lost one of our own,” Jerry Price, Chapman vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students, said in a statement. The school has nearly 3,900 undergraduates. “Our hearts go out to Bryce’s family and friends.”

Turner was a business administration major and English minor, and a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

University President Jim Doti released a campuswide phone message requesting that flags fly half-staff at Chapman this week. “By all accounts I’m hearing, he was an incredible person and a credit to our university,” Doti said in a statement.

A candlelight vigil will be held in Turner’s memory at 8 p.m. at Attallah Piazza, Chapman University officials announced this afternoon. Students, faculty and staff are invited to attend and share memories of Turner. Also, the university’s Interfaith Center and Wallace All Faiths Chapel will be open until 10 p.m. and counselors are available on campus to talk to students until 9 p.m.