Oregon Football Suffers Summer Tragedy

While programs all over the country are in the midst of off-season workouts, the players also take time to cool off and enjoy the summer. But with that, unfortunately the Oregon Ducks lost a member of the family over the weekend. Redshirt freshman safety Todd Doxey, 19, drowned in Oregon's McKenzie River on Sunday.

Doxey was with several teammates who were floating the river on inner tubes. Doxey jumped off a bridge to join his teammates, but struggled with the river's currents and ultimately went under. A fisherman nearby got to Doxey and gave him CPR, and he was rushed to the hospital where he was listed in critical condition. He was pronounced dead later Sunday night. A sheriff's report says there was no alcohol involved in the incident.

The loss of Doxey has left players and coaches in an obvious state of sadness and disbelief.

"I understand that people did everything that they could -- the paramedics, the ambulance, the doctors and the players who were there. It's obviously a very helpless feeling for me not to be there," added Bellotti, who was previously scheduled to return to Eugene Monday after concluding his vacation in California. "Hopefully everybody comes away with a greater appreciation for the gifts they're blessed with and come away with the lessons that we can never be too cautious."

Doxey hails from San Diego. He was a scout team player of the week for four consecutive games last season, his true frosh year, and was looked upon as a contributor to special teams and a backup rover/safety for the 2008 season. But the on-the-field impact is inconsequential at this point. Such a sad loss, with so much life ahead for the young man. We wish all the best to the Doxey family.