UF Athletics Suffers Tragic Loss
Wednesday, July 25, 2001 | Football
University of Florida freshman fullback Eraste Autin (A-ross OH-tan) was pronounced dead at 2:10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 25 at Shands at the University of Florida Medical Center.
"Simple words are inadequate for us to convey to the Autin family our deepest condolences on the passing of their son Eraste," UF Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said. "On behalf of the entire athletic program, I hope they know how saddened we all are for their loss. All of our hearts and prayers go out to them."
"This is by far the saddest day ever for me as a coach and for our Gator teams as we have lost a wonderful, outstanding young man, Eraste Autin," said head football coach Steve Spurrier. "Eraste was extremely well-liked by his freshmen teammates and was developing as one of the leaders of his freshmen class. He was enthusiastic, always had a big smile on his face, and gave all-out effort during work-outs and to his studies.
"His freshman teammate, Todd McCullough, told me that Eraste was the most well rounded 18-year old he'd ever known. He had a strong faith in God, he loved his family dearly, his goal was to make at least a 3.5 G.P.A. his freshmen year, and he was committed to be the best football player he could be.
"I know that Coach Lawson Holland, our running back coach, really looked forward to coaching Eraste. I believe he would have been an outstanding fullback in our system and probably would have played as a true freshmen this year.
"Eraste will be missed by all of us. His memory will be with us forever as he made a lasting impression on all who got to know him here at Florida."
"On behalf of the entire University of Florida family, I extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones and friends of Eraste Autin," University of Florida President Charles Young said. "Each student enrolled at UF brings unique qualities and attributes to this campus and the loss of any member of our student body is tragic. I know that everyone grieves with Eraste's family and will keep them in their thoughts."
Autin experienced heat stroke and collapsed on Stadium Drive en route to the football locker room after a voluntary conditioning workout Thursday afternoon (July 19). Members of the UF Athletic Training staff immediately attended to Autin until an ambulance arrived and accompanied him in the ambulance to Shands. He was admitted to Shands at the University of Florida Medical Center Thursday at 5:47 p.m.
The 18-year old Autin enrolled in UF's Summer B session, which began on July 2. All Florida student-athletes receive a complete physical before participating in any strength and conditioning workouts at UF. The freshman football players that are enrolled in Summer B received their physicals July 2.
The 6-2, 255-pound Autin was a freshman fullback from Lafayette, La., and a graduate of St. Thomas More where he earned Prep All-America honors as a senior in 2000. Autin was a two-year starter at fullback in high school and rushed for nearly 700 yards with 12 TDs in 2000. He was rated among the nation's top five fullback prospects for the 2001 signing class. He is survived by his parents -- Dr. David and Joanie Autin -- his sisters Julia and Camille, along with his twin brother, Robert, a football player at Louisiana-Lafayette.
