NCAA Track Star Collapses, Tragically Dies At 21 After Competition

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 4:18 PM ET

Unfortunately, tragedies continue to hit college sports in recent days. The latest case involves an NCAA track star who suddenly collapsed and lost his life at just 21.

The standout track athlete collapsed after a competition in New Orleans last Friday. He was a junior computer science major from Dallas, Texas.

Graycen Vargo was a distance runner at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. He had just received the Eagle Excellence Award for Cross Country.

NCAA Track Star Graycen Vargo Dies After A Competition

Vargo collapsed at the Red River Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships hosted by Xavier University. Medical staff provided him with immediate on-site attention before they took him to the hospital. Unfortunately, there was nothing they could do to save his life.

“Our thoughts are with Graycen’s family, teammates, and friends as they deal with this unimaginable loss,” said A&M-Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. “Graycen was a respected member of the student body and a beloved member of the Cross Country and Track and Field Teams. His presence will be greatly missed by the entire university community.”

“On behalf of the Eagle athletic department, I want to convey our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of Graycen Vargo,” said Director of Athletics Ryan Wall. “Our prayers are with the Vargo family and everyone who knew Graycen as they go through this difficult time.”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those close to Vargo.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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