Football Player Dies After Collapsing On College Campus In Deerfield

DEERFIELD, IL — An incoming freshman died earlier this week after being found unresponsive and not breathing in a dormitory entryway at Trinity International University. Avery Gilbert, a 2022 graduate of Grayslake North High School and Trinity football player, was discovered by a teammate Wednesday afternoon collapsed at Johnson Hall, according to school officials.

The Lake Villa resident, who had only been on campus for three days, would later die at Highland Park Hospital.

In a letter to the Trinity community, President Nicholas Perrin said the Lake County Coroner has not yet officially determined the cause of Gilbert's death, but did say it may have been related to a pre-existing medical condition triggered by an allergen.

Perrin said medical personnel arrived within minutes of being called, administering CPR and other life-saving measures to Gilbert. His time of death at the hospital was at around 1:30 p.m.

Gilbert was known for his "infectious energy, generosity and joy," according to Perrin, who spoke with the student's family and Willie Tillman, his Trinity football coach. They told him that Gilbert was "all in" from the first day he showed up on campus and was "ready to participate in community life and to be the best student and best wide receiver he could be."

Tillman said the 2022 football season will be dedicated to Gilbert, with the Trojans honoring his name and uniform number (87).

Details of a planned memorial service for Gilbert are forthcoming.