Kent State University confirmed the death of junior football player Jason Bitsko. The cause is unknown. He was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his off-campus apartment from an undetermined medical issue, according to a university press release.

Bitsko played right tackle for the Flashes the past three seasons. Last season he was named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-MAC team and was co-recipient of the Read Award, an honor given in the spring to a player who, according to Kent State Sports.com, “exemplifies hard work and dedication beyond the call of duty.”

Bitsko, a native of Dayton, Ohio, attended Wayne High School prior to Kent State. Under football coach Jay Minton, Bitsko was a standout lineman. His high school football accomplishments include a second-team, all-conference accolade and recipient of the conference academic/athletic award. He was also a member of Wayne’s 2010 state runner-up team.

Bitsko started all 12 games in his 2013 sophomore season and appeared in two games during his 2012 redshirt freshman season. He did not play during his true freshman season because he was redshirted.

Bitsko is the son of Randy and Pam Bitsko. He has two siblings, Ryan and Caitlin.

The football team was told of Bitsko’s death during morning practice and the remainder of Wednesday’s activities were canceled.

Counseling services will be provided by the university to all student-athletes and staff members. For more information, contact Psychological Services at the DeWeese Health Center at 330-672-2487.

Richie Mulhall is the sports editor for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected].