Furman football player Bryce Stanfield dies following medical emergency at workout

Days after being hospitalized following a medical emergency at a football workout, Furman football player Bryce Stanfield died on Friday, the school announced. He was 21.

Following the medical emergency on Wednesday morning, Stanfield was quickly transported by ambulance to nearby Greenville Memorial Hospital. He was reportedly placed on life support.

“We are heartbroken beyond measure with Bryce’s sudden passing and ask that everyone, first and foremost, lift up his parents, Fred and Teri Stanfield and their family, in prayer on this day and in the days ahead,” Furman head coach Clay Hendrix said in a release announcing Stanfield’s death.

Hendrix continued: “There are so many more who are really hurting — namely Bryce’s teammates, coaches and staff, classmates, friends, and the entire Furman community and beyond. Bryce was an outstanding young man and an equally fine student, football player, and friend. He was so much a part of who we are as a program and school, and was pivotal in our success on the football field and through giving of his time in outreach to our community. In every sense he was the best representative we could have. His passing is one of the most difficult things Furman football has ever encountered, but our faith and so many wonderful memories Bryce provided us will help sustain us all in the days ahead.”   

Stanfield was conferred his degree — magna cum laude — by Furman president Dr. Elizabeth Davis on Friday morning during a ceremony involving family, friends and teammates. He was studying health science.

Stanfield was a defensive tackle on the Furman football team, playing in all 13 games in the most recent season. He also earned SoCon All-Freshman Team honors during his rookie campaign in 2021.

“Our Furman Family is heartbroken by Bryce’s passing, and we share our deepest condolences with family, friends, and teammates,” Furman AD Jason Donnellye said. “Bryce was a beautiful soul, a loving son, loyal friend, tremendous teammate and great student. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers from our entire community. Bryce will be dearly missed but will be remembered in our hearts forever.”

As Stanfield was taken to the hospital, fans and supporters were requested to stand vigil or offer support elsewhere on campus.

“We encourage you to seek out places to talk and to offer care for one another. … While the impulse to gather at the hospital is understandable, because of limited space and the fact that only his family will be able to be with Bryce, we ask that you not visit at this time. The chapel sanctuary will be open until 11:30 p.m. for a quiet place for prayer as will the chapel student lounge on the lower level,” a note to students read.