URI’s Joseph Ciancola passes away

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UPDATED AT 1:25PM on October 28th.

URI Media Relations has set up a page so fans can share their memories of Ciancola. The page can be viewed by clicking here.

Original Post

URI baseball player Joseph Paul Ciancola passed away on Thursday afternoon after an medical emergency during a strength and conditioning workout on Monday. He was transported by ambulance to South County Hospital in South Kingstown, R.I and later was transported to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, R.I. Ciancola was only 20 years old.

Ciancola was expected to be a key member of the Rams pitching rotation this season after sitting out his freshman campaign after deciding not to go to Winthrop University.

The Greenwich (CT) Times is reporting that he was being treated for malignant hyperthermia but a cause of death has not been determined. Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited muscle disorder triggered by certain types of anesthesia that may cause a fast-acting life-threatening crisis, according to the website for the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States.

The Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade, University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley and Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn have released statements on the passing.

Atlantic 10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade

“We were very saddened to learn Thursday of the passing of Mr. Ciancola, who was young and in the prime of his life. Our condolences go out to his family and the entire Rhode Island campus community. The thoughts and prayers of the Atlantic 10 Conference and its membership will be with all of them.”

University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley
“Joe was a beloved member of our baseball team and the URI community. We will miss him more than is possible to say. We send all of our sympathy, hopes, and prayers to Joe’s family. We pray that our shared memories of Joe, and his love for baseball and for life, will be a comfort to all who mourn his passing.”

University of Rhode Island Director of Athletics Thorr Bjorn
“It is a tragedy any time you lose someone close to you, and even more so when it is a member of your family. Joe was and will continue to be a part of the University of Rhode Island Athletics family. On behalf of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators, I want to express our profound sadness for Joe’s passing. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and many friends. We mourn his loss and offer our thoughts and prayers to those closest with him.”