ALLENDALE, S.C. — A USC Salkehatchie baseball player died Friday after collapsing on the field during practice.
Parker Neff, 21, was out on the field preparing for practice when he collapsed.
"The USC Salkehatchie family is devastated by the death of Indian baseball player Parker Neff on Friday, reads a statement form the university. "We hold his family in our thoughts and prayers."
Officials with USC Salkehatchie say Neff graduated from Travelers Rest High School in 2016. He also attended North Greenville University and USC Upstate prior to transferring to USC Salkehatchie to pursue his dream of playing collegiate baseball.
School officials say Neff made tremendous strides as a player in a short period of time. after starting the year as a third baseman. Several weeks ago, Neff became the team's everyday short stop and 3-hole hitter. Neff was reportedly hitting .280 with a .414 OB%. He had 6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs.
"Even though Parker was a very good baseball player, he was a much better person - kind, respectful, thoughtful, considerate, personable, quiet and reserved," officials say. "He was a dreamer and a young man with integrity and outstanding character. You did not have to wonder if Parker was going to give his best effort. He would not allow himself to give anything but his best. He carried himself with a quiet pride about who he was and what he was doing. He was constantly trying to improve himself and his skills."
"He was steady. He was rock steady. Parker made the people around him better, which is the one trademark of all the great people that have walked upon this earth."
A candlelight vigil to remember Neff was held at the USC Salkehatchie baseball field on Monday.
Officials say counselors were available on campus Monday and Tuesday to offer support to students and staff.
Neff was one of three students in the University of South Carolina system who died last week.
