Connecticut's Preston Hirten Mourned

Mary Washington Men's Soccer Player Passed Away Tuesday

August 22, 2009

A memorial service is being held Saturday for Preston Hirten, a Westport, Conn. native who died Tuesday after collapsing during a University of Mary Washington soccer practice.

Preston Hirten

Preston Hirten was preparing for his junior season at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. (Photo courtesy of Mary Washington Athletics)

The service was held in Westport where, Friday night, there was a candlelight vigil at Staples High School, Hirten�s alma mater.

UMW President Judy Hample said in a message posted Thursday on the school�s web site that preliminary autopsy results showed Hirten died of an enlarged heart condition.

A scholarship has been established in Hirten�s memory. Contributions may be made to the Preston Hirten Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box, 2561, Westport, Conn. 06880.

Other excerpts from Hample�s message:

"The University community mourns the loss of Preston James Hirten, who died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 after collapsing on the UMW soccer field during practice�

During his first year at Mary Washington, Preston was a promising student with an interest in political science, as well as a starting center mid-fielder on the soccer field. He transferred to UMW from Hobart College in New York during the 2008-2009 academic year. At Staples High School where he graduated, Preston was named to the All-State and All-Conference teams.

As the University comes to grips with this tragedy, plans are underway for a memorial service on campus. Further information will be forthcoming as it becomes available�

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Preston�s family and friends at this difficult time."