July 22, 2014

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Former University of Illinois offensive lineman Shawn Afryl, 22, passed away Monday in Winona, Minnesota, while working out with teammates at Winona State University.

The Skokie, Illinois, native and Niles West High School graduate played in one game for the Fighting Illini during his three years with the team. Afryl redshirted the 2010 season and did not see action during 2011 before reaching the field against Charleston Southern in 2012. He graduated from Illinois with a degree in political science in August 2013.

"All of us in the Fighting Illini football family are greatly saddened by Shawn's passing last night," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said. "He was a great teammate and a dedicated student. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Afryl joined the WSU community this summer and enrolled as a Social Studies - Teaching major. He was preparing to use his final season of football eligibility this fall.

Funeral arrangements will be listed as soon as they are made available.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Afryl Family with the loss of former Fighting Illini Shawn. He will be greatly missed.

-- Tim Beckman (@coachbeckman) July 22, 2014

RIP Shawn Afryl, I'm gonna miss you man, a good person and an ILLINI4LIFE

-- Austin Teitsma (@teitsma44) July 22, 2014

Shawn Afryl, you will definitely be missed my Illini oline brother! I'm in a lost for words. #R.I.P #illini4life

-- Corey Lewis (@clewis70) July 22, 2014

RIP Big Shawn Afryl. You were a great person and an even better friend. We lost a great man yesterday... http://t.co/JqxHTZMf9T

-- Jake Howe (@BoomBoomHowe) July 22, 2014

Lost a good friend and teammate last night. RIP Shawn. #56 #olinepride

-- Teddy Karras (@_teddy_k) July 22, 2014

We lost a good one today way too soon. R.I.P Shawn Afryl you'll be missed, my prayers are with his family. #illini4life

-- Jeff Allen (@JeffAllen71) July 22, 2014

Cannot believe the news of Shawn Afryl's passing. Prayers to his family and loved ones. I love you Shawn, rest easy big boy #DarkHorse

-- Jack Cornell (@JackCornell73) July 22, 2014

Wow. Cant believe the news I just heard. The world lost a great man, a great teammate, and a brother of mine. RIP Shawn Afryl. #illinifam

-- SteveHull19 (@SteveHull5) July 22, 2014

RIP Shawn Afryl #illini4life

-- Jon Davis (@JD3_ILLI) July 22, 2014

R.I.P to my Brother & Teammate Shawn Afryl. The world has lost a great one. May you rest in paradise! #RIPShawn #illini4life 🙏🙌

-- Ryan Lankford (@Playmaka3x4) July 22, 2014

Rest In Peace to our former @IlliniFootball teammate Shawn Afryl. Your are now with The Lord 😔😇👼

-- Justin Hardee (@jhardee_19) July 22, 2014

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Shawn Afryl's death. Was one of the best people you could ever meet. #RIP

-- Jimmy Nudera (@jnudera6) July 22, 2014

Speechless about Shawn Afryl's death. Great teammate and a great person #illiniforlife

-- Matt LaCosse (@Mattylac11) July 22, 2014

Never good to hear that one of your brothers passed away. R.I.P #56 Shawn Afryl great teammate even better person #illini4life

-- Evan Wilson (@IHaveA_Evantage) July 22, 2014

In the words of my man Shawn "yogol" = you only got one life. Lol I'm going to miss my bro

-- Alex Hill (@UpHill52) July 22, 2014

R.I.P. to my brother Shawn Afryl true definition of a team player. We had some great battles on the field. #illini4life #brothers

-- Tim Kynard (@kynard59_illini) July 22, 2014

I just want to take a second out and say rest in peace to a member of my Illini family, don't know the... http://t.co/9cteErdtid

-- Jonathan Brown (@J_B_45) July 22, 2014