#Ex-FSU big man Michael Ojo dead at 27 after suffering heart attack at practice

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Michael Ojo in Serbian basketball league
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Michael Ojo, the former Florida State basketball big man, died Friday after suffering a heart attack at practice, according to multiple reports.

The 27-year-old, who graduated in 2017, was playing professionally for Partizan in Serbia. He collapsed while running at practice, per eurohoops.net. Doctors at a hospital were unable to resuscitate him. He was not believed to have had any health issues or heart conditions, according to the report.

The 7-foot-1 Ojo was born in Nigeria before coming to the United States to finish high school and land a scholarship to Florida State. He went on to start 78 games for the Seminoles during his college career and became a fan favorite known for his high character and friendliness, as was evident by the social media tributes to him Friday morning as news of his death spread.

“I am devastated,” Sam Lunt, the former associate director of sports medicine for men’s basketball at FSU told the Tallahassee Democrat. “I used to bring him to the house for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Loved that guy.”

“Michael Ojo. Rest in Peace my good friend,” tweeted Mark Zeigler, a faculty member at Florida State. “You brought joy to all of us in the Seminole family. Thank you for your great work in class and on the court. Thank you for being so good to your fellow classmates. This one has knocked the wind out of me, friends.”