WHEATON, ILL. — A Mason High School graduate and college freshman soccer player was killed Saturday while volunteering during a track and field competition in Illinois.

According to a statement from Wheaton College, “At approximately 4:15 p.m. this afternoon, Ethan Roser, a 19-year-old freshman transfer student from Cincinnati, Ohio, was volunteering at a Wheaton College track and field competition, where he was accidentally struck by a hammer during the hammer throw event.

“Wheaton College Public Safety and the City of Wheaton paramedics were on the scene immediately, and Ethan was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove where he was pronounced dead.

“‘We are deeply grieved, but, because of our faith in Christ, not without hope,’ said Wheaton College President Philip Ryken. ‘We ask people to pray for Ethan’s family, his friends, and our campus community.’”

A hammer in a men’s hammer throw weighs 16 pounds; a woman’s hammer weighs 8.8 pounds.

Roser, who played soccer at Mason, graduated in 2016. He was a member of Mason’s 2013 Ohio Division I state championship team.