BUFFALO, NEW YORK — Communities in DeKalb County and in Buffalo New York are mourning the death of a popular athlete.
Solomon Jackson, a native of Stone Mountain and 2013 Tucker High School football player, collapsed during football practice at the State University of New York Buffalo on Feb. 22.
The 20-year-old later died on Feb. 29. The cause of death was not immediately released.
The University at Buffalo athletics director Allen Greene released a statement following his death:
"It is with deep sadness that I write to share that we have lost one of our own, UB football player Solomon Jackson, who passed away last night," Greene said. "Our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Solomon's family as together we mourn his tragic and untimely death.<br/> <br/> "From the outpouring of prayers and support over the past week since Solomon was hospitalized, it has been abundantly clear just how many lives he touched on a daily basis through his contributions and character—as an athlete, as a student, as a friend and mentor to others, and as an active and engaged member of our campus community. As a redshirt-sophomore defensive end from Stone Mountain, Georgia who was pursuing a degree in sociology, Solomon demonstrated tremendous promise as a student-athlete, both on and off the field.<br/> <br/> "President Tripathi and I visited Solomon and his family early last week at the hospital, and from our visit it was clear Solomon was a young man of great character and integrity. He held these values at a very early age and brought them to all he undertook. He was active in his community and in his church—a genuinely kind spirit who was devoted to his family and to the well-being of people around him."<br/> <br/> Jackson played both linebacker and defensive end over his career. He was coming off his most productive season in 2015, playing in all 12 games and starting six at defensive end. He had 13 tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks as a redshirt-sophomore last season.
A moment of silence will be held prior to the men's basketball game at Alumni Arena Tuesday.