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Canisius Basketball Player Collapses and Dies

By Eileen Buckley

Buffalo, NY – The Canisius College community is in shock over the death of a member of its men's basketball team. The player collapsed during a workout with the team Wednesday and later died.

Richard Jones, 21, of Boston was about 20 minutes into a workout when he collapsed during a shooting drill. Canisius college's head coach, Mike MacDonald, and teammates were there when he fell to the floor. Jones was unconscious, but had a pulse.

Athletic trainers made attempts to revive him. Jones was taken to Millard Fillmore Hospital where he died. The exact cause of his death is unknown.

Canisius College President Reverend Vincent Cooke held a news conference Wednesday night saying the basketball player's death was a shock to the entire community. Students also held a candlelight vigil.

Jones was junior and played as a forward with the Griffs. He played in 88 career games. The school says it is planning a memorial service.