CORVALLIS - His best friend and coach paid tribute as OSU celebrated the life of Fred Thompson.
The defensive tackle from Richmond, California died December 7th after collapsing during a pickup basketball game on campus.
The state medical examiner found Thompson had an enlarged heart. Head Coach Mike Riley remembered big number 92 as a player who was loved by his team.
“He had a big smile and gave big hugs. Fred loved everybody and everybody loved Fred,” Riley told mourners he read the same words when Thompson was laid to rest in his hometown 10 days after his death.
The OSU service was delayed until students returned from the holiday break.
Thompson’s best friend and OSU teammate, Ryan Murphy read a poem and said his game would change because of Fred’s death.
“It will be in a positive way. I will have a heavier load playing for Fred’s family along with my family,” he said.
OSU Gymnast Olivia Vivian is helping to raise money for the Thompson family by selling wrist bands with his name.
“I know Fred was his Mom’s only child and she also lost her husband to a heart attack so I wanted to do something to help.”
Students attending the service were asked to write messages to the Thompson family. OSU will honor Thompson at a home game next season and there is talk of retiring his number.
“We will miss Fred and we will never forget what he gave to all of us,” concluded Coach Riley.
