20-Year-Old College Tennis Player Passes Away in His Sleep

Jack Madison, a sophomore on the Colorado College men’s tennis team, died in his sleep last week, the school announced.

Madison, 20, passed away on January 2nd.

The cause of death has not been announced.

Colorado College Tennis Player, 20, "DEAD IN HIS SLEEP"…

Jack Madison "passed away"…

Competed in the Division II state tournament…

Was a 4-year letter-winner at Columbus Academy and was named a team captain during his senior season…

– The Spun, The Columbus Dispatch pic.twitter.com/UDRgVdZpCl

— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) January 12, 2023

Ohioan Jack Madison, a sophomore athlete at Colorado College, died in his sleep recently. According to reports, students who didn’t get booster would lose gold card access, which included access to residence halls, dorms, & meals.https://t.co/M79w4pbiykhttps://t.co/M6XbL0XRrX pic.twitter.com/cleftDbzz7

— Nashville Angela (@angelanashtn) January 12, 2023

“We are devastated by the tragic passing of Jack Madison,” Colorado College Vice President and Director of Athletics Lesley Irvine said in a statement.

The Denver Gazette reported:

Madison was recruited to Colorado Springs out of Bexley, Ohio, where he was a two-time all-state selection at Columbus Academy.

Madison’s death preceded the sudden death of Air Force football player Hunter Brown, 21, who died Monday after suffering a “medical emergency” near his dormitory, the academy said.

21-Year-Old Air Force Offensive Lineman Dies Suddenly After ‘Medical Emergency’ On His Way to Class

A press release from the school noted:

Madison, from Bexley, Ohio, was recruited to Colorado College as a four-year letterwinner and team captain as a senior at Columbus Academy. He earned a pair of first-team all-state selections and three first-team all-league honors. In addition, he was a state finalist as a sophomore and a senior.

Madison did not play a match for CC as a freshman during the 2021-22 campaign due to injury, but competed for the Tigers during the 2022 fall season. He paired with August Knox to win a match in the 'B' doubles bracket at the Metro State Invitational, and played two singles matches at that tournament.

"The tennis program is deeply saddened by the news of Jack Madison's death," head coach Anthony Weber said. "Jack was one of the most friendly and respectful student-athletes we have had in our program. We will miss his selflessness and positive influence. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family as they cope with this tragic news."

According to prior reports, Colorado College students and staff had a COVID-19 booster mandate.

"A new requirement that all fully vaccinated students and staff at Colorado College who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot do so is causing concern among some students," The Gazette reported in January 2022.

The report noted that "about sixteen of the school’s Division 1 hockey players are reluctant to get the booster."

Concerns about the link between the experimental COVID-19 shot and heart complications in young men were cited.

"If student-athletes have questions, then we need to help provide information as far as why we think having a booster essentially gives you the best shot at continuing to participate and continuing to eliminate any disruption in your participation,” Lesley Irvine previously said.

"We're not trying to shut down conversation or concern that’s being brought forward by parents or students or staff or faculty."

The Gazette added:

According to the Colorado College website, if those who are eligible for a booster don’t upload documentation of booster proof, “Gold Card access will be restricted.”

Gold Cards serve as Colorado College identification cards and allow entrance to residence halls and room doors. It’s also a way of procuring goods and services on campus, including meals.

Students who refuse to submit to regular COVID testing — a campus practice since August 2020 — have been notified that they may lose key-card access to campus buildings if they don’t participate, said the email sent to The Gazette. They are contacted by phone, email and text to let them know they need to be tested or set up a testing account.