A freshman student, who was from Lake Villa and on the football team at Trinity University in Deerfield, died Wednesday after collapsing in his dorm hall and being rushed to the hospital.
Trinity International University President Nicholas Perrin said in a letter to students and faculty on Thursday that the university experienced a “tragic and unexpected death” of incoming freshman student Avery Gilbert.
Gilbert had been on campus for just his third day on Wednesday when he was found by a fellow teammate in the Johnson Hall entryway.
Gilbert had collapsed and was unresponsive and not breathing, Perrin said.
Paramedics arrived quickly and administered CPR and other lifesaving measures before transporting Gilbert to Highland Park Hospital.
The man was pronounced dead around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
An official cause of death is pending but the incident is believed to have been caused by a pre-existing medical condition triggered by an allergen, Perrin said.
Gilbert is from Lake Villa and a 2022 graduate of Grayslake North High School.
He was known for his “infectious energy, generosity, and joy.”
From the first day he showed up on campus, Gilbert was “all in” and ready to participate in community life and be the “best wide receiver” he could be, Perrin said.
The university will be holding a memorial service in his honor.
The school has also made counselors available to its students, including the football team, following the death.
“I regret that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet this remarkable man, at least not in this life. In due course, we will be holding a memorial service in Avery’s honor. For now, Coach Tillman has also informed me that the 2022 Trojan football season will be dedicated to Avery Gilbert as we honor his name and #87,” Perrin said.