The University of California San Diego is mourning the loss of a "remarkable student and valued member of the UC San Diego community," according to a statement released by the University.

Leon Roach, a 19 year-old sophomore pole vaulter for the Tritons, suffered a fatal injury during a practice drill on a rope swing on Saturday.

Roach's sister, Christyn, told the Associated Press "there were two spotters, and they had mats" at practice, and that the family doesn't blame anyone for the accident. Roach's father and older brother were both pole vaulters and the family reportedly understand that the sport carries inherent risks.

Roach's family has found solace in knowing that Leon, a California native, died while doing something he loved.

"It's not something where you think you might die every time you go up to vault. We don't live our lives scared to do things like that," Roach's sister explained. "This is the normal risk of everyday life. We each have so many days, and the Lord decided that was his time."

According to the L.A. Times, Roach placed fourth in the San Diego Collegiate Track and Field Championship in March, the only freshman within the Top 8.

Roach's tragic death occurred the same day that Contra Costa College freshman Wali Wright suffered a collision during a football game that left his back broken in several places. Wright, who had surgery Monday to insert pins in his spine along with a breathing tube, is expected to survive but will likely be paralyzed.

Wright currently has no feeling in his arms or legs and has swelling and bruising in his spinal cord although it was not severed.

These two unfortunate accidents remind us of the real and eminent dangers of competing in athletics and the need to continue to keep student-athlete well-being at the forefront of discussions.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of these two young athletes.