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ORLANDO, Fla. — Jake Hescock, a former University of Central Florida football player, has died, the family said in a social media post.
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According to his family, Hescock, 25, went for a jog on Tuesday in Boston when he collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest.
Hescock’s cousin Lisa Walz Mlynarczyk said in a Facebook post that he was given CPR and brought to a hospital, where he was put on life support.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to say my cousin Jake has passed on, may he Rest in Peace and forever shine his bright soul down upon us,” Walz Mlynarczyk said.
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Support has been pouring in from members of Knight Nation, including UCF head football coach Gus Malzahn. Malzahn said Hescock represented “what it means to be a UCF Knight.”
We’re heartbroken to hear of Jake’s passing. He was an incredible person, who embodied what it means to be a UCF Knight. Everyone who knew Jake loved him and he was a blessing to coach.He will be greatly missed. Kristi and I’s prayers are with his whole family. pic.twitter.com/xaCUlpitbC
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) December 11, 2022
UCF former quarterback Mikey Keene said that Hescock made a special impact on the people around him and he would be missed.
Jake Hescock was one of the most authentic guys I’ve ever been around. He was an incredible person and an even better friend. He made everyone around him a better person. Rest in Peace brother. You will be missed by all. 🖤
— Mikey Keene (@Mikey_Keene) December 11, 2022
Jake, I love you bro. I’m so thankful that GOD let me be a part of your life. It was a blessing to get to know you. I’ll never forget you 88❤️ Please keep the whole Hescock family in your prayers pic.twitter.com/Y0AM30yAV5
— Alec Holler (@AlecHoller) December 11, 2022
Hescock played tight end at UCF from 2017-21 and appeared in every game in his last two seasons with the Knights.
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Hescock’s former team also expressed their condolences as he was “a great leader.”
It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our brother Jake Hescock ‘16. He was a great leader, a great son, a great brother, a great teammate., and great Salisbury Gentleman. We were blessed for the time we had with him!
— Salisbury School Football (@Coach_Phelps11) December 11, 2022
Thank you for being you Jake. We love you! pic.twitter.com/hemF1c0IDD
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