Virginia Tech wrestler Darren Hankins dies in swimming accident

By Bryan Johnston

Virginia Tech Sports Information

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech wrestling student-athlete Darren Hankins (Chesapeake, Va.) died in a swimming 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 philosophy major, competed on the varsity squad for two seasons, but sat out the 2013-14 season due to injury. He was a Group AAA state runner-up at 215 pounds for Hickory High School in 2011.