Family, friends mourn sudden loss of FIU's Luke Knox, brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox

MIAMI - Family, friends, fellow classmates, and teachers at Florida International University are mourning the sudden loss of linebacker Luke Knox.

He was hospitalized Wednesday evening and passed away that night. He was 22 years old. 

"We are saddened by the sudden passing of Luke Knox, a member of the FIU Football program. We send our thoughts and prayers to Luke's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. Coaches and support staff have been reaching out to our football family and will continue to do so to ensure our student-athletes have the support they need," FIU said in a statement.

"You had such a love for life and the game of football," FIU quarterback Gunnar Holmberg wrote in a social media post Thursday. "Never failed to put a smile on those around you. Grateful for the time we had together. Words can't explain how you'll be missed."  

Thursday's practice was canceled.

Knox, who appeared in 23 games at Mississippi before joining the Panthers, was the brother of Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox.

Knox, who is entering his fourth season with the Bills, was not on the field for practice Thursday.

"Our hearts go out to Dawson and his family during this time," Buffalo coach Sean McDermott said Thursday before practice. 

 In a statement posted on Twitter, FIU Head Coach Mike MacIntyre said while he admired Knox's passion for football, it was his love for his family that he will always remember.

From Brentwood, Tennessee, Knox was majoring in business.

FIU opens its season Sept. 1 against Bryant.  

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