Virginia Tech Wrestler Drowns in Blacksburg Quarry
A Virginia Tech wrestler drowned in a former quarry in Blacksburg, Virginia and his school and family are in mourning over the tragic accident. Darren Hankins, 21, had been swimming Wednesday night when he suddenly "began having difficulty staying afloat," according to reports. Nearby friends and bystanders were unable to rescue him.
The Virginia Tech wrestler that drowned was swimming with others on private property in what used to be a quarry. Friends spotted Hankins in danger, but failed in their rescue attempt, according to the Richmond Time-Dispatch.
Emergency workers came to the scene and were able to recover Hankins' body at about 7:30 p.m.
Virginia Tech wrestling coach Kevin Dresser said in a statement that Hankins was "very special" to their department.
"As a father and as his coach, this is something that we would hope no family would have to go through," Dresser continued. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hankins family at this time. Darren was a wonderful young man. Virginia Tech Wrestling was a better place because of Darren Hankins."
Hankins was only a junior when tragedy struck. Though he missed the 2013-14 season after undergoing knee surgery, he still had the support of his team, the Hokies.
"The Virginia Tech Athletics family suffered a great tragedy this evening," Virginia Tech athletics director Whit Babcock said in a statement. "Darren was a wonderful representative of the wrestling team and of this university. Our hearts go out to his family, our Virginia Tech family, and his countless friends during this difficult time."
