Lamar U. student from Houston collapses, dies

HOUSTON A university spokesperson says Tristen D. Hopkins, 22, of Houston, a sophomore chemical engineering major, collapsed around 4pm while playing on the basketball court of the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center.

Staff members began assisting immediately and called for medical help. After treatment at the scene, Hopkins was transported to Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital in Beaumont where he died Monday night.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," said Barry Johnson, vice president for student affairs. "Whenever we lose a student the whole campus community is affected. He was a fine young man."

The university said its Health Center staff is available for grief counseling for students and university staff.