Former Wayne State University football player dies

University says Serxho Guraleci died Monday morning at off-campus workout facility

DETROIT – The Wayne State University football team has lost a player.

In a statement posted on their athletics site, the university said Serxho Guraleci died Monday morning while at an off-campus workout facility in Macomb County.

"Anybody that knows Serxho, knows he was as healthy as a horse," said Serxho's best friend Chet Privett. "The kid worked out every single day, whether it was lifting weights or running. We just don't know what the whole cause of this was."

Guraleci, who completed his athletic eligibility last November, was a four-year (2009-12) defensive tackle for the Warriors who played in all 48 games during his career starting 25 times.

"This is a devastating loss for the Wayne State football family," stated head football coach Paul Winters. "Serxho was loved by everyone.  We are all having a hard time understanding this.  We will surely miss him."

He was a 2012 All-GLIAC Second Team selection by the league's head coaches.

"You can see there are so many people here that loved the kid and support him. He's honestly my best friend, and he's like a brother to me. I love the kid," said Privett. "I'm just trying to be here for his family, and trying to support them, and take care of them as much as I can."

At last months WSU Football Banquet, Guraleci was presented the WSU Football Courtney "Cortez" Smith award, which is presented to the WSU football student-athlete who best exemplifies what Smith stood for.

He was still enrolled at WSU this semester completing degree requirements in kinesiology and secondary education.  He earned Wayne State Academic accolades four different semesters and GLIAC All-Academic Team recognition every year he could have been so honored.

"You'd hate to anything bad happen to him in anyway, and then you have something like this. You feel so bad for him, for his family, for his teammates that love him so much. Emotionally it just wreaks you," said Winters.

The athletic department has arranged for grief counseling.

Visitation and service information has not yet been released.