Bennie F. Abram, 20, a nonscholarship athlete who transferred to the University of Mississippi from Itawamba Community College last fall, died today at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford.
Abram, a junior from Southaven who joined the Ole Miss team this semester, was taken to the hospital by ambulance after collapsing during the first day of the football team’s routine conditioning. The session began early this morning, before classes started. About 15 minutes into the conditioning portion of the session, trainers noticed that Abram was experiencing some difficulty, began administering aid and called 911. Abram died at 12:11 p.m., several hours later.
An exercise science major, Abram was enrolled in UM’s School of Applied Sciences.
“We are deeply saddened over the loss of this young man. Our hearts go out to his parents and the entire Abrams family, and we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers throughout the days ahead.” – UM Chancellor Dan Jones
“This is a tragic loss for the Abram family and the Ole Miss family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. I am thankful to our athletics training staff and the hospital staff for their professional response.” – UM Athletics Director Pete Boone
“Bennie was a fine young man and a hard worker. He was a great person to be around and his loss is so tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and all who knew Bennie.” – Head Football Coach Houston Nutt.