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BLACKSBURG, Va. - Virginia Tech wrestling student-athlete Darren Hankins (Chesapeake, Va.) died in a drowning accident in Blacksburg, Wednesday night.

Hankins was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 21 years old.

“Darren Hankins was very special to our wrestling program and our entire athletic department,” head coach Kevin Dresser said. “As a father and as his coach, this is something that we would hope no family would have to go through. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hankins family at this time. Darren was a wonderful young man. Virginia Tech Wrestling was a better place because of Darren Hankins.”

Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock offered support to the family and the Hokie wrestling team.

“The Virginia Tech Athletics family suffered a great tragedy this evening,” Babcock said. “Darren was a wonderful representative of the wrestling team and of this university. Our hearts go out to his family, our Virginia Tech family, and his countless friends during this difficult time.”

Hankins, a junior theatre arts major who was minoring in philosophy, competed on the varsity squad for two seasons, but sat out the 2013-14 season due to injury.

A card has been placed in the front lobby of the Merryman Center for those who wish to stop by and sign their condolences to the family.

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