Cal Bears defensive back and Lakewood native Bryce Turner has died after being hospitalized for a medical emergency during a non-team workout. He was 20.
Cal announced Turner’s death Saturday. There was no cause of death immediately given.
Turner starred in high school at St. John Bosco. He spent the 2016 season at Long Beach City College before transferring to UC Berkeley. He redshirted his first year and played one game with one tackle this season.
No words can convey how we all feel right now. Bryce Turner, c/o’16, was a true Brave in every sense of the word. May the Turner family and his football brothers find peace in the days ahead. You will be missed. Smile down on us brother. #Family #LongLiveBryce pic.twitter.com/RwUrIvphd9
— Bosco Football (@boscofootball) January 6, 2019
“We are so deeply saddened by Bryce’s passing,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox said. “This is an extremely difficult day for everyone. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Bryce’s family, friends, teammates and so many others who have been a part of his life. No words can accurately describe the pain we feel in our hearts right now. We’ll always remember Bryce and how he impacted all of us with Cal football.”
Turner was hospitalized following a workout this week near his home. The school called it a “medical emergency” and has provided no other details.
Man tears won’t stop falling as i type this.. we been rocking since 7th grade at Tetzlaff.. then high school at Bosco now College at Cal. Words can’t explain how i feel but i love you brother. Never would i have thought I’d have to bury one of my bestfriends. See you in heaven. pic.twitter.com/8CBUPRg3dY
— TraveonBeck👑 (@HeyImTray) January 5, 2019
Rest in Paradise Bryce! I love you Bro and know you are in heaven smiling down on us! Gone way too soon, but your legacy WILL live on forever! RIP BT🙏🏿💙 #LongLiveBryce pic.twitter.com/lhXqrzaGCN
— DJ Morgan (@deundraymorgan) January 6, 2019
Great soul gone way too soon. Rest easy BT. my boy since offense defense camp when we were 8 years old playin eachother In mighty mights and Leader of the Wolfpack at bosco always had a smile on your face I love you man. This shit makes no sense man pic.twitter.com/5dFdgq4Z5b
— Sean McGrew (@smcgrew11) January 6, 2019
“Our hearts are broken with this unimaginable tragedy,” athletic director Jim Knowlton said. “Bryce was a young man with a bright future and a valued member of our football team and the Cal family. His life was taken far too soon and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryce’s family, friends, teammates and coaches during this difficult time, and we will do all that we can to support each other, his family, our students and the entire Cal community through the grieving process.”
Editor’s note: In an earlier version of this story, The Associated Press reported erroneously Turner’s age based on information from the school. He was 20, not 19.