Northwest Missouri State junior defensive end Nicholas Turner was found dead Monday in his on-campus dorm, the school announced.
The team and fans were celebrating the Bearcats' Division II championship at the Lamkin Activity Center on the Maryville, Missouri, campus when football coach Adam Dorrel took the microphone and said the event was canceled, according to the Kansas City Star. Fans left, but the players were asked to stay. Dorrel delivered the news.
Northwest Missouri president John Jasinski issued a statement Monday and also sent a campuswide email to faculty and students informing them of the news.
"I spoke with Nicholas' parents this afternoon and ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers," he said.
The school said no foul play is suspected, but the death is being investigated by the Nodaway County coroner's office, Maryville Public Safety and university police.
Turner had 22 tackles and 3.5 sacks this past season.
The school held a gathering Monday night to remember Turner, a corporate recreation and wellness major from St. Louis.