British Footballer Found Dead At US College

A British footballer who starred on his college team in the US has been found dead in his upstate New York apartment.

Officials at Herkimer College say 22-year-old Peter McAvoy from Dundee, Scotland, was found unresponsive at around 6pm on Saturday.

Attempts to revive Mr McAvoy were unsuccessful, and he was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine a cause of death.

Dean of students Matthew Hawes said: "Our deepest condolences are with Peter's family as they grieve this tragic loss.

"Our thoughts are also with his team-mates, coaches, friends, faculty and staff during this difficult time."

Mr McAvoy, a captain for the Herkimer Generals soccer team, was preparing to enter his junior season.

The defender was named National Junior College Player of the Year following the 2013 campaign, during which he helped the Generals win a third consecutive college championship.

Mr McAvoy headed home the final match's only goal last November to secure the college's latest title.

Athletic Director Donald Dutcher described Mr McAvoy as one of the most popular students at the small college, located about 220 miles (354 km) from New York City.

Herkimer soccer coach Pepe Aragon told Sky News that Mr McAvoy was much more than just a "special player".

He said: "His compassion, his personality ... he was loved more for who he was as a person than a player."

The coach said Mr McAvoy had an immediate impact on those around him after arriving from Scotland in 2012.

He worked soccer camps for youth players and "was unbelievable with the kids", Mr Aragon said.

A candlelit vigil in Mr McAvoy's memory is planned for Monday evening at the college's Wehrum Stadium.