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University of Richmond football player dies from apparent suicide

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national suicide prevention lifelineUniversity of Richmond football player Augustus Lee has died, and the cause of death, according to reports, is suicide.

The Times-Dispatch is reporting that Richmond Police officers discovered Lee, 20, dead in a vehicle at about 1:35 a.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of College Road.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Augustus Lee,” UR coach Russ Huesman said in a school release. “Gus was a terrific young man and a great member of our Richmond family. His loss is a true tragedy to those who knew and loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ family. This is a very difficult time for everyone in the Richmond Spider family.”

Lee was a redshirt freshman at UR who played defensive back and special teams for the Spiders. A walk-on player, he recorded 12 tackles and returned two kickoffs for Richmond in 2018, including registering a solo tackle in UR’s 42-13 season-opening loss at UVA on Sept. 1.

Lee was a graduate of Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, where he was a first-team all-state performer as a senior in 2016, when he set a school record for receptions with 79.

University of Richmond President President Ronald A. Crutcher issued the following statement on Lee’s passing:

“I have been in touch with Gus’s family to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the entire University. Gus was a sophomore from Fairfax, Virginia, who played on our football team. He was an undeclared pre-business major and a good friend, especially to his teammates and his fellow student athletes. We extend our deepest sympathies to Gus’s family, his teammates, professors, and many friends on our campus.”

Lifeline

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 across the United States at 1-800-273-8255.

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