A Pennsylvania college basketball player died Sunday after medical experts believe she choked on her gum in her sleep.
Shanice Clark, a 21-year-old senior at California University of Pennsylvania, was rushed from her Vulcan Village residence to Monongahela Valley Hospital after she was found unresponsive at around 3 a.m., according to the Observer-Reporter.
A Washington County Coroner pronounced Clark dead an hour later. An official cause of death is pending an autopsy, but a preliminary report suggests she aspirated on gum while sleeping and that her death seems accidental.
Police in California, Pa., are investigating.
Clark came from her native Canada to study communications at the university, the newspaper reported. The 6-foot-tall athlete was a forward for the school's basketball team, the Vulcans.
"On behalf of California University of Pennsylvania, I extend my deepest sympathy to all of Shanice's family and friends," Geraldine M. Jones, the university's interim president, said in a statement.
"She will be missed by her teammates and coaches, her classmates, and by the entire campus community."
Lauren Buck, a junior, expressed shock over how the tragedy occurred.
"It's sad," Buck told WPXI. "I never would think you would choke on something like that, you know? My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
"It's going to be a sad couple days here on campus," she added.
