Korey Stringer / Minnesota Vikings

Korey Stringer

Minnesota Vikings football player Korey Stringer died August 1, 2001, from heat stroke during training camp. Stringer, a right tackle, was considered an outstanding athlete with great stamina. He was the first NFL player to die of heat stroke.

Korey made the varsity football team as a freshman at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio. The team won the Ohio State High School Championship during his junior year. Korey was recruited by many colleges, but chose Ohio State University to be close to his family. He made starter after his third game, and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 1992. He was voted on the Associated Press All-American Team in both 1993 and 1994, and was voted MVP at Ohio State. Korey left college after his sophomore year and was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

Korey died after two days of grueling pre-season practice in Mankato, Minnesota, during a mid-western heat wave. He finished the second day, then passed out in the trainer's trailer directly after practice. He was rushed to emergency, but his body temperature reportedly registered 108.8 degrees; multiple organ failure starts when the body hits 106. Korey, 6'4" and 335 pounds, was wearing 35 pounds of heat-retaining protective gear in the hot summer heat. Korey is survived by his wife, Kelci, and his son, Kodie. Korey's death was an eye-opener for the NFL. Major changes have since been made regarding heat stroke prevention. A team doctor is now required at all practice sessions, water and shade are readily available for players, and many teams train in light-colored uniforms. Korey's wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the team and doctors. She later filed a lawsuit against Riddell Inc., the manufacturer of Korey's pads and helmet. In July 2009, a federal judge ruled that Riddell should inform players that their equipment could contribute to heat injuries. A jury trial is pending.