The college sports world has lost a young star.

Tufts University lacrosse player Madie NicponShe died unexpectedly on Sunday Oct. 17. She was twenty-one years old. According to Nicpon’s school, Nicpon was at a charity fundraiser at a private property in Somerville, Mass. The accident happened on Oct. 16. Authorities told Rockland/Westchester Journal News the student athlete had been participating in a hot dog eating contest and choked.

Madie was taken to Mt. Auburn Hospital and was then transferred to Massachusetts General Hospital. She died Sunday afternoon,” Tufts University sent a message to its campus communities. 

According to the university’s student newspaper The Tufts DailyOn Oct. 17, the University Chaplaincy held a gathering of support at the Gantcher Center. According to a Tufts email, the publication reported that approximately 3,000 students, faculty, and staff attended. Candles were given to the mourners. The Tufts DailyThey then headed to the nearby athletic track, where they placed candles in Nicpon’s jersey.