Former Hokie, Keion Carpenter, Passes Away

The Virginia Tech community suffered a terrible loss today with the passing of former Hokie great, Keion Carpenter.

Yesterday, news started to spread surrounding the health of Keion Carpenter. Initially there were conflicting reports on what was going on with the Baltimore native.

The official Virginia Tech twitter account posted this statement from Coach Beamer:

It was later reported, by his non-profit organization, that Mr. Carpenter had not passed, but was in a coma after suffering a fall and blow to the head. Sadly the freak accident has now resulted in the death of the Hokie.

Carpenter played at Virginia Tech from 1995-1998. In that time he had 10 interceptions, and scored two touchdowns on returns. He was signed by the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent, and spent three seasons with the club. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in 2002, and spent four years with that team. Carpenter had a very rewarding career after football. He was the C.E.O. of The Carpenter House, which was his charity group. Carpenter’s vision was to provide the opportunity for many disadvantaged citizens to achieve the American Dream: buying their first house.

I can remember Carpenter patrolling the secondary in Lane Stadium. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace Keion, and our thoughts and prayers go to your family. Gobbler Country joins the rest of the Hokie nation in offering our sincere condolences.