Sudden Death of Portland State Linebacker AJ Schlatter Leaves College in Mourning

Portland State linebacker AJ Schlatter died suddenly on Sunday, leaving the college community in mourning.



According to a Facebook post by James Schlatter – the football player's father – the 20-year-old student-athlete died after having his tonsils removed on Friday.

Although a cause of death has not been confirmed, according to Bleacher Report, Schlatter got a blood clot following the minor surgery, which reportedly contributed to his death.

"He was such an inspiration to me and I was and am so PROUD to be his father. In his 20+ years he became a greater man then (sic) I could ever dream of becoming!" James, who according to Fox Sports was an assistant coach for the team in the nineties, wrote on Facebook.
Schlatter, who was a redshirt freshman was a walk-on at the university, but became a starter who helped the team make their way to the FCS playoffs, the network reports.

"We lost a diamond that will never be replaced," coach Bruce Barnum said in a statement on Monday obtained by Fox. "He was the definition of what we are about at PSU."

The university also reportedly announced his death on Monday, adding that funeral arrangements are pending.people