Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University Mourns the Loss of Mark Oppong
4/10/2005 8:00:00 AM | Football
April 10, 2005
Remarks from Bucknell University President Brian C. Mitchell
Statement from Bucknell head football coach Tim Landis
Campus-wide statement from Dean of Students Richard Ferraro (includes support information)
LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Mark Oppong, a first-year student at Bucknell from Mississauga, Ontario, died Saturday morning, April 9, at about 3:30 a.m. from a viral infection.
Dr. Don Stechshulte, director of the Student Health Center at Bucknell, said the cause of death was viral myocarditis. He said the death was most likely caused by a common virus that occasionally causes an uncommon response in some people. He said there is no public health risk at this time.
Stechshulte said in his 30 years of practice he has seen 10 to 12 similar cases, including some Bucknell students who recovered from the illness. Stechshulte examined Mark on Wednesday and he was immediately taken to the emergency room at Evangelical Community Hospital from where he was flown to Geisinger Medical Center and then on to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital.
Dean of Students Rick Ferraro announced that Walls Lounge in the Elaine Langone Center has been set aside this weekend as a reflection room for students and others to gather, reflect, and talk about Mark.
No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.
 Mark Oppong's locker is preserved under glass.  |
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Mark played defensive tackle on the Bucknell football team. At 6-4, 295 pounds, he was considered a promising prospect, although knee injuries limited his play during his rookie season.
He was a three-time regional all-star as a defensive lineman at Meadowvale Secondary School in Mississauga. He was a Toronto All-Star and a Greater Toronto Area Top 50 Player.
 Bucknell University flag at half staff in memory of Mark Oppong. |
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