Columbus Crew says midfielder Kirk Urso has died

A professional American soccer player died early Sunday morning at an Ohio hospital.

Around 12:50 a.m. Sunday Kirk Urso, the midfielder for Columbus Crew, was rushed by ambulance from a downtown Columbus bar to Grant Medical Center, where he died about an hour later.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

A spokesperson for the Crew said Urso was not with the team on Saturday for their 1-0 loss to D.C. United in Washington.

The Crew issued a statement on Sunday saying in part: “While the circumstances of Urso’s passing are still being determined, no further comments will be made at this time.  The thoughts and prayers of the entire Columbus Crew and Hunt Sports Groups are with the Urso family in this time of need.”

Twenty-two year old Urso, who played six games this season, was sidelined in May after having groin surgery.

A native of Lombard, Ill., Urso had played on North Carolina’s NCAA title-winning team last fall.  He was the 10^th selection in January’s MLS Supplemental Draft and started the first five matches this season with midfielder Danny O’Rourke injured.

Urso is survived by his parents, Michael and Sandra and one brother.