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13. 11. 09. - 15:00

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13. 11. 09. - 15:00

American Football scene rocked as star dies aged 21

By Thomas Hochwarter

Austria’s American Football scene has been rocked by the shock death of former Vienna Vikings ace Bernd Dittrich died at the age of just 21.

Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, Canada, where the up and coming star was playing, announced today (Fri) that Dittrich had passed away on Wednesday.

Officials said he died in hospital after losing consciousness while swimming at the campus pool.

Dittrich took up swimming after missing the last matches two of the past season with a shoulder injury. He had hoped extensive pool training would get him to full fitness.

A hospital spokesman said Dittrich – who left Austria four years ago hoping to make it in the NFL – said the cause of death had not yet been determined but that he may have suffered from an undiagnosed heart failure.

Dave Johnson, head coach of Dittrich’s last team Simon Fraser Clan, said the Austrian was "a special young man" and "a great example to our young guys", adding he was one of the leaders in his 94-strong team.

Simon Fraser Clan’s Senior Director of Athletics, Dr. David Murphy, said: "Bernd was not only a great athlete on the field, but also an inspiring individual in all aspects of life. We will miss him tremendously."

Austrian Times

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