After St. Mary's Rugby Player Dies, Family Seeks Answers: Report

LAMORINDA, CA — Dominic Peterson entered Saint Mary's College in the best shape of his life, but five days after moving into his dorm, the 19-year-old sophomore collapsed and died during a two-mile training run with his rugby teammates.

Now his family is speaking out and searching for answers in order to understand what led to the death of what led to the sudden death of Peterson.

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Peterson moved into his dorm Aug. 30 after spending "all summer running every hill in our neighborhood," his father, Robert Peterson, told CBS News.

On Monday, his family still lacked answers about what caused his death.

"At this point, we don't actually know the technical component of his passing, so that's something we have great interest in because he was such a fit kid," Robert Peterson told CBS News. "He was amongst the fittest on a very fit team."

Saint Mary's Men's Rugby announced Peterson's death on its Facebook page and extended its sympathies to his family and loved ones.

"This is heartbreaking for our community," the team wrote. "Dominic's smile was contagious and one that would brighten a room when he entered. He always gave 100% effort and encouraged those around him to do the same."

"Dominic will be in our hearts forever," the team added.

Peterson played for one of the country's leading rugby programs at Saint Mary's, a private college in Moraga.

He dreamed of playing rugby internationally and had already competed in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. He also earned recognition as one of the country's best rugby players under 19, according to reports.

Ken Flax, a retired U.S.A. Olympian and Peterson family friend, told CBS News that he watched Peterson train with elite determination for years.

"Because of my background, I've seen a lot of really talented athletes in every size, shape, and form," Flax said. "All I can tell you is this kid had every attribute to be world-class. Domo was 6'4", 220 pounds. He's 19 years old. The mold of a world-class athlete was there."

Peterson was the youngest of three siblings raised around sports, according to his family. His sister Valerie, 23, played beach volleyball at the University of Oregon. His sister Brigitte, 20, played rugby with him and is completing a mechanical engineering degree in Portland, according to reports.

Peterson listened to the Grateful Dead, reggae, and country, and his interest in the arts extended beyond music, his family told CBS News. His mother, Rose Peterson, said she and her husband raised their children to embrace San Francisco and the Bay Area's art culture. The family held MoMA memberships, visited museums every few months, and attended concerts together.

Peterson also loved superheroes, especially Batman. His family now hopes his legacy can help future generations of rugby players.

"The main reason why Rob and I agreed to take this call is not only to honor Dominic, but it's very, very important that we make sure he leaves behind a legacy," Rose Peterson told CBS News. "We are working with St. Mary's to set up an endowment in his name, and what he would've wanted is to further the sport of rugby in the U.S., particularly starting with college."

The Peterson family and Saint Mary's College created the Dominic Peterson Memorial Fund to support the college's men's rugby program. His family views the fund as a way to honor his love for rugby, the Gaels, and the sport he dedicated his life to.

Peterson also enjoyed teaching other people about rugby, a sport with greater international popularity than domestic recognition, according to CBS News. Zach Young, a former University of Oregon track athlete, recalled learning about the sport from Peterson.

Flax also recalled Peterson teaching his son, a collegiate football player, how to play rugby.

The Peterson family told CBS News that Saint Mary's College, its rugby coaches and players, and the wider rugby community provided tremendous support after Dominic's death.

Saint Mary's College held a memorial Mass for Peterson one day after his death, his family told CBS News.

Saint Mary's College President Roger J. Thompson issued a separate statement calling Peterson's death "a heartbreaking loss for our entire community."