Connors State head basketball coach Bill Muse and two unnamed assistant coaches have been placed on leave following the death of Sophomore forward Ethan Dietz on November 25th.

The college released the following statement:

Connors State College men’s basketball coach and athletic director Bill Muse will be taking a break from his coaching and athletic director duties for the rest of the season for personal reasons, effective immediately.  Two of the other assistant coaches will also take personal leave.

CSC women’s basketball coach Jaylen Thompson will assume coaching duties for the remainder of the men’s basketball season.  We remain committed to supporting our student-athletes during this time and will provide updates in the near future.

Dietz passed away died on November 25 after suffering a head injury during a game on November 22. Dietz was struck inadvertently by an elbow, briefly returned to play while showing visible signs of distress, and later left the game. He was hospitalized the following day but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. In response to his passing, Connors State canceled five basketball games scheduled from late November through early December.

There has been growing concern regarding the school’s handling of Dietz’s injury. Here’s more from KNWA news on the injury and the aftermath: