Kentucky basketball, baseball player Ben Jordan dies at age 22

University of Kentucky two-sport athlete Ben Jordan has died at the young age of 22 on Tuesday, January 12 (Wednesday, January 13, Manila time).

The exact cause of death has yet to be revealed in the midst of unfounded speculations.

Jordan’s sudden demise caused an outpouring of grief and messages from prominent collegiate figures, like Kentucky basketball head coach John Calipari.

“Our hearts are broken today,” he said in a statement. “It is difficult for me to express and to put into words what a tragedy it is to lose a young person too early.”

“Ben impacted our team last season in so many ways with his kind heart, his big smile and his wonderful personality. He cared so deeply about this place and it meant so much to him to be a part of this team,” he continued.

Kentucky baseball coach Nick Mingione likewise had the same sentiment regarding his former player.

“There are no words to express the shock and heartache our team is feeling with the loss of Ben,” he said. “He was an absolute joy to coach and be around. His coaches, teammates and brothers loved him dearly.”

“His smile, his sense of humor and love for this university will never be forgotten. He will be missed beyond measure,” he continued.

The 6-foot-9 Jordan kept his options open during his collegiate career, and played both as a basketball forward and a baseball pitcher.

“Ultimate team player, that’s what he is,” said Jeremy Webb, Jordan’s high school coach, in a previous report by the Courier-Journal. “That’s something that we saw out of Ben the entire time I’ve known him.”

Apart from being a two-sport athlete, Jordan also kept a respectable academic profile during his time with Kentucky, and made the spring sports Academic Honor Roll last year. – Rappler.com