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25-year-old former college football tight end dies after suffering cardiac arrest while jogging
Jake Hescock, number 88, in action for the University of Central Florida in 2018 (Image source: Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

25-year-old former college football tight end dies after suffering cardiac arrest while jogging

Jake Hescock — a 25-year-old former college football tight end who played for a pair of Division 1 programs — has died after suffering a cardiac arrest, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

What are the details?

Hescock — who played for the University of Wisconsin and the University of Central Florida — was jogging in Boston on Dec. 6 when he suffered a cardiac arrest, the paper said.

A passerby provided CPR, and Hescock was taken to a hospital before being placed on life support, the Sentinel said.

Hescock’s cousin Lisa Walz Mlynarczyk wrote Sunday on Facebook, "It is with a heavy heart that I have to say my cousin Jake has passed on, may he Rest in Peace and forever shine his bright soul down upon us ..."

Mlynarczyk noted in her post that damage to Hescock's brain from lack of oxygen was "severe."

What was Hescock's football history?

The Sentinel reported that Hescock was a native of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, attended Salisbury School in Connecticut, and then went to the University of Wisconsin to play football. The paper said after his freshman season, Hescock — a 6-foot-7 tight end — transferred to the University of Central Florida, where he played from 2017 to 2021.

Here's a tribute tweet from UCF:

After sitting out the 2017 season due to his transfer, Hescock caught two passes for 13 yards and 1 touchdown in the 2018 season, the Sentinel said. Hescock became the team’s top tight end in 2019, making nine catches for 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns, the paper said. In 2020, he caught 10 passes for 53 yards and three touchdowns, the Sentinel noted, adding that his final season was 2021.

Following college, Hescock moved back to Massachusetts and retired from football, the paper reported.

'So hard to lose a guy with so much life about him'

“We’re heartbroken to hear of Jake’s passing," UCF head coach Gus Malzahn tweeted. "He was an incredible person, who embodied what it means to be a UCF Knight. Everyone who knew Jake loved him, and he was a blessing to coach. He will be greatly missed.”

“Jake Hescock was one of the most authentic guys I’ve ever been around,” former UCF quarterback Mikey Keene tweeted. “He was an incredible person and an even better friend. He made everyone around him a better person. Rest in Peace brother. You will be missed by all."

UCF linebacker Quade Mosier tweeted, “Always the craziest dude in the room! Was always a big brother to me since I got to UCF. Going to miss the river with you, Jake.”

“Jake, I love you bro. I’m so thankful that GOD let me be a part of your life,” UCF tight end Alec Holler tweeted. “It was a blessing to get to know you. I’ll never forget you, 88. Please keep the whole Hescock family in your prayers.”

“So hard to lose a guy with so much life about him," UCF tight ends coach and special teams coordinator Brian Blackmon tweeted. "His spirit was contagious and everyone who knew Jake loved him. Our prayers are with his family and friends, asking for peace and comfort for all. Lamentations 3:32."

Wisconsin Football tweeted, "Saddened to learn of the passing of former Badger Jake Hescock. Taken from us too soon. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Correction: The original headline and first paragraph of this story incorrectly stated Hescock suffered a heart attack; both have been changed to reflect that he suffered a cardiac arrest.

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