Student Dies After Goalpost Is Downed

MORRIS, Minn. — A 20-year-old Minnesota Morris student was killed Saturday when football fans rushed on to the field and pulled down a goalpost at the end of the school’s homecoming game.

Richard Thomas Rose, of Benton City, Wash., was pronounced dead at a hospital after attempts to revive him on the field failed, school officials said. No one else was hurt.

Minnesota Morris Chancellor Sam Schuman said it was not immediately clear how Rose died. “I think the presumption is that [his] death was caused by a blow from the goalpost,” he said.

University Police Sgt. Chuck Grussing said the department is working with the county coroner’s office to investigate.

Schuman said about 1,000 fans watched the last football game at Cougar Field, an overtime victory over Crown College. The Cougars move to a new stadium next season.