VIENNA, WV--Ohio Valley University sophomore Mario Figueroa, of Miami, Florida, died in a tragic ATV accident on Saturday, November 3, in North Carolina, University officials announced today.

 

“Our entire campus community is mourning the loss of this young man today,” said OVU Athletic Director Ron Pavan. “In the short time he was a part of our campus community, he endeared himself to many of our students, faculty and staff. Our sympathy and prayers go out to Mario’s family, friends and teammates at this time.”

 

Figueroa was a student-athlete and a standout player on the Ohio Valley University men’s soccer team. In fact, his key assist in the opening game of the West Virginia Athletic Intercollegiate Conference tournament this season set up teammate Marwan Helal to score the winning goal and advance the team. He transferred from Miami-Dade College to play for OVU in 2007.

 

“Mario had a great personality and he was very soft spoken. He always had a positive attitude and, as a player, he impressed me with his spiritual nature. He was a Christian and that gives me a great deal of comfort right now,” OVU Men’s Head Soccer Coach Dan Lyons said.

 

“This was really a year for Mario to get back into soccer, because he didn’t play last year,” Coach Lyons explained. “In the short time he was here he made a lot of friends. He was one of those guys you liked having as a friend. I know a lot of people on campus are going to be devastated by this,” Lyons said.

 

Flags were lowered to half mast on campus today and OVU President Dr. James A. Johnson has issued a special proclamation officially renaming Ohio Valley University “Mario Figueroa University” in his honor, November 4-10, 2007.

 

A special prayer service will be held in the Chapel on the main campus at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4. The service is being organized by University personnel and members of the Grand Central Church of Christ, in Vienna, W.Va. Counselors will also be on hand to talk with students and friends.

 

* * *