Lacrosse Player dies after struck by ball

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Associated Press
ITHACA, N.Y. -- A Cornell University lacrosse player died Wednesday after he was struck in the chest by a ball during a non-conference game against Binghamton.


George Boiardi, a 22-year-old defenseman from Washington, D.C., collapsed on the field during the fourth quarter and never regained consciousness, said school spokesman Simeon Moss.


Boiardi was defending a shot on goal with 2:33 left at Schoellkopf Field when the ball struck him in the chest. Boiardi took a few steps before falling to the ground. Emergency crews tried to revive the player on the field through CPR and shocking him with defibrillators.


Boiardi was taken to Cayuga Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 6:44 p.m. Moss said the official cause of death had not been determined.


The game was called with the Big Red winning, 9-6.


"Cornell's athletic community is absolutely devastated by this tragic loss," athletic director Andy Noel said in a statement. "George was a terrific person, a great team leader and an excellent student."


Boiardi, a senior studying history, was known for his work ethic. He was voted the team's rookie of the year in 2001, and was an 11-time letter winner at the Landon School in his hometown