College Basketball Player Dies After Apparently Choking On Gum In Her Sleep

Shanice Clark, a senior at California University of Pennsylvania, died early Sunday morning.

A college basketball player who was found dead in her Pennsylvania apartment over the weekend apparently choked on gum while she was sleeping, The Observer-Reporter reported Tuesday.

California University of Pennsylvania / Via calvulcans.com

Shanice Clark, a senior at California University of Pennsylvania, died early Sunday morning.

California Borough police told The Observer-Reporter that a preliminary report on Clarke’s death indicated she had choked to death on gum in her sleep.

California University of Pennsylvania / Via calvulcans.com

They said it appeared her death was accidental.

The Washington County Coroner’s Office said the coroner needs to complete an autopsy before determining Clarke’s cause of death, according to the newspaper.

Neither agency returned requests for comment from BuzzFeed News.

The university said in a statement that the school and its athletic department were “deeply saddened” by Clarke’s death.

California University of Pennsylvania / Via calvulcans.com

“Shanice was a bright student and talented player. Her smile and personality will be missed,” the statement said.

Clarke was a redshirt forward who transferred to the school after playing two years at Sante Fe College in Florida.

The 21-year-old was originally from Toronto, Ontario, and was majoring in communication studies.