Odessa College Cross-Country Runner Gage Broomall Dies After Collapsing at Practice

Gage Broomall, a 20-year-old cross-country runner at Odessa College, died after collapsing at the start of a practice session on Thursday afternoon, the college said.

Odessa College confirmed Broomall’s death in a statement, saying he was a “valued member of the Odessa College Wrangler family” and that his loss was “deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, classmates, and all who knew him.” Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene, but Broomall did not survive.

Broomall, a native of Hallsville, Texas, was in his second year at the Odessa, Texas, community college and competed for the Wranglers’ cross-country program. The college said it and the Broomall family have launched the Gage Broomall Memorial Scholarship Fund and are accepting donations to honor his life and legacy.

The college did not immediately disclose the cause of death. Odessa College’s statement offered condolences to Broomall’s family, friends and teammates but did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the collapse or whether an autopsy had been scheduled.

Teammates and coaches are mourning the loss of a young athlete who was part of the program’s roster. The college’s announcement described Broomall as a valued member of the campus community and encouraged those who wished to remember him to contribute to the scholarship established in his name.

Sudden collapses of athletes during training or competition prompt medical evaluation and, often, review by health and athletic staff. In such cases, institutions commonly work with local authorities and family members to determine the cause and to provide support to affected teammates and classmates.

Odessa College has not released additional logistical details about memorial services. Officials did not immediately respond to requests for further comment beyond the initial statement.

The college’s announcement came as the cross-country season was beginning and as teams across collegiate athletics prepared for fall competitions. Broomall’s death is the latest in a series of incidents involving unexpected medical emergencies among student-athletes at all levels of competition, and it underscores longstanding concerns about athlete health monitoring and emergency preparedness.

Information about the memorial scholarship and how to donate was provided by Odessa College in its statement. Further updates may be issued by the college or family representatives as they become available.