Friends remember 22-year-old after his sudden passing

ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. (KMSP) - Police trying to figure out how a 22-year-old football player died in his apartment Saturday evening.

Everett Hawk grew up in California but was making Minnesota his home after graduating this spring from Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota.

Fox 9 spoke with some of his teammates who are still in disbelief over the sudden passing of their close friend.

“His kindness, his gentleness—being a guy of his size—he played football like a monster but he loved like a teddy bear,” said former teammate Jalen Phoenix.

Hawk was found dead in his apartment in St. Bonifacius Saturday evening just hours before he was supposed to meet up with some of his friends.

“I love the dude I know that everyone behind me loved the guy and the whole community of Crown College is behind him and his family right now,” Phoenix said.

The Minnetrista Police Department does not suspect foul play but it's still a mystery as to how the young and healthy football player passed away.

His mother tells Fox 9 he took a nap and never woke up.

Hawk had just graduated from Crown College in May and was looking forward to his second year of coaching football at Waconia High School, according to friends

Hawk’s family and friends also say faith also played a central role in his life.

“He pushed me to be a better football player—but a better Christian, a better man—he held me to a better standard of living and accountability so I really cherish that time that I did have with him,” said Chris Larson who also played football with Hawk at Crown College.

His friends say he was working hard at getting in great shape and was focused on a healthy lifestyle. The last time they spoke to him, he was looking forward to the next chapter in his life.

“He seemed in good health and in good spirits –super excited to start his real, adult life after getting his undergraduate degree out of the way—timing is really difficult on all of us in that sense,” Larson said.