UTPB mourns death of incoming freshman football player

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) - UTPB Athletics announced the death of incoming freshman football player Luke Miller Monday on social media. Miller signed with the Falcons on February 7 as a defensive end out of Lone Star High School in Frisco.

Miller's family said his passing was unexpected and due to a sudden illness. He was 18 years old.

Miller had begun summer workouts with the team and had traveled home for the Fourth of July holiday.

In a post on Instagram, head football coach Kris McCullough said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Luke Miller. We extend our condolences and prayers during this difficult time to his family, friends, and all the people that Luke was able to touch in his life."

McCullough went on to say, "Our football family will honor Luke in everything we do moving forward."

In light of the tragedy, UTPB is offering counseling services for its students through multiple avenues:

• University Mental Health and Wellness Center: You can speak with a counselor 24-hours a day by calling the 24-hour UTPB Crisis Line at (432) 552-4600.  For non-emergency calls to the Wellness Center, please call 432-552-3365. 
• TimelyCare, our free virtual online wellness partner, is available 24/7/365 at TimelyCare.com/utpb. 

Faculty and staff can access counseling services by calling the UT Empl...