The following message is from the Office of the President:
The University community mourns the loss of Preston James Hirten, who died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 after collapsing on the UMW soccer field during practice.
This afternoon, Preston’s parents relayed the preliminary autopsy results showing that Preston died of an enlarged heart condition.
A candlelight vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21 at the Staples High School soccer field in Westport, Connecticut. A memorial service also will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22 at the Unitarian Church, 10 Lyons Plains Road in Westport. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Preston Hirten Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box, 2561, Westport, Conn. 06880.
During his first year at Mary Washington, Preston was a promising student with an interest in political science, as well as a starting center mid-fielder on the soccer field. He transferred to UMW from Hobart College in New York during the 2008-2009 academic year. At Staples High School where he graduated, Preston was named to the All-State and All-Conference teams.
As the University comes to grips with this tragedy, plans are underway for a memorial service on campus. Further information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.
Support is available from the Office of Student Affairs at 540/654-1062 and the Counseling and Psychological Services at 540/654-1053.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Preston’s family and friends at this difficult time.