Florence Native Dies After College Rugby Game

(Wilmore, Ky.) - A college student from Florence died following an on-campus game of rugby this past weekend.

Jeff McMillan, 24, experienced difficulty breathing and collapsed during the game Saturday afternoon on an intramural field at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

McMillan was transported by ambulance to the St. Joseph Jessamine, RJ Corman Ambulatory Care Center in Nicholasville where he was pronounced dead. The Jessamine County Coroner said the cause of death appears to be natural, although final autopsy results are pending.

McMillan was a sports management major at Asbury, where he also worked four years for the university’s facilities and grounds department.

In a statement on its website, Asbury University said a crabapple tree will be planted near the school’s physical activities center in honor of McMillan’s life, service, and passion for athletics.

More than 1,500 people attended a memorial service for the senior student at the university’s auditorium on Monday. Back in McMillin’s hometown of Florence, services are being planned for later this week at Crossroads Church.

“There couldn’t be a more perfect way to honor Jeff,” said McMillan’s mother, Jackie, who attended the Monday service. “Jeff’s father and I are so grateful for the outpouring of love and friendship to Jeff that has blessed and enriched his life. Everyone at Asbury has been wonderful to honor him and take care of anything we need.”