Cal U Ice-Hockey Player Dies Unexpectedly at Age 23
An ice-hockey player for California University of Pennsylvania died unexpectedly on Saturday.
According to the university’s Ice Hockey Club, Branson King was 23 years old at the time of his death.
We are sad to announce the sudden passing of current Cal U hockey player Branson King. Our hearts go out to his family, friends & the hockey community in this extremely tough time. https://t.co/q6hxE03YJO pic.twitter.com/158kfHs3St
— CalUHockey (@VulcansHockey) December 13, 2021
King, had just finished the fall semester of his junior year for the Vulcans, where he served as an assistant captain. He was majoring in education with a concentration in social studies. Originally from Kempton, PA, King previously played for the Philadelphia Revolution. He graduated from Kutztown Area High School.
He wore #19 for the Vulcans and was @kinger1721 on Twitter.
Peep the rev boys🏒👀#MannequinChallenge pic.twitter.com/3lJRlDoTDI
— Branson King (@kinger1721) November 9, 2016
The Vulcans participate in the NCAA Division II in all sports and the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in most sports. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) made the decision to require vaccinations for all college athletes.
Cal U’s Ice Hockey Club Men’s play in Division III of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), whose return-to-play guidelines during COVID require that athletes follow their institution’s policies.
Although vaccination against COVID-19 is not mandated by the university, Cal U strongly encouraged students and employees to get fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus before returning for the fall semester. The university held a free vaccination clinic on campus on Aug. 27.
Visitation and funeral details have not yet been determined.
In the summer, a former Cal U hockey player also suddenly passed away. James Joseph Xavier DeAngelo, 23, passed away on July 4, 2021, from drowning in the Monongahela River.