Coach Archie Miller and President Dan Curran issue statements after death of Flyer basketball player

Reports surfaced Thursday afternoon of the passing of Steve McElvene, the rising redshirt sophomore for Dayton’s men’s basketball team. The news of the 6-11 center shocked Flyer Nation.

“McElvene, 20, was in his hometown of New Haven, Ind. when he died,” an official report from the University of Dayton read.

While the University did not release any further details, a tweet from Glenn Marini, sports director at WANE-TV in Fort Wayne, IN, read “Can confirm Steve McElvene passed away this afternoon at his family’s home after collapsing. An enlarged heart is believed to be the cause.”

UD’s men’s basketball coach Archie Miller released the following statement:

“We are devastated at this news. Any death is a tragedy, but for someone so young who worked so hard to have his dreams within reach, it’s hard to put into words how painful this is. Our hearts and prayers go out to Steve’s family. My family, our team and our staff will have to pull together, not only in support of Steve’s family but in support of each other at this terrible time.”

In an email to students and staff of the University, President Daniel Curran said:

“Join me in praying for Steve, his family, and friends. Please reach out to one another in support during this difficult time for our campus community. Please know support services are always available in person or by telephone through the counseling center, campus ministry, and residence life staffs.”

McElvene had been at the University for two years, although the 2015-16 basketball season was his first on the court. In that, his redshirt freshman season, he averaged 6.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game in 32 games. He also blocked 56 shots, a single-season record for the school.

Please keep Steve, his family and friends, the men’s basketball team and the University community in your prayers during this difficult time.