Officials have identified the cause in the death of Grand Valley State University student Shane Peoples-Welch, who died Tuesday at the Grand Valley State University on-campus Recreation Center during a pickup basketball game.

Dr. Edward Fody, who performed the autopsy after his death, determined Peoples-Welch died of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which causes a thickening of heart muscle and smaller heart chambers to pump blood, resulting in an enlarged heart.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is typically genetic and symptoms often go undetected. Fody told the Grand Rapids Press Wednesday that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the leading causes of death in athletes,

With no visible symptoms, prevention and detection are almost impossible.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy caused Peoples-Welch to have a cardiac arrhythmia, which is different from a typical heart attack, where the problem is caused by restricted blood vessels.

Fody encouraged members of Peoples-Welch’s family to get screened.

The university held a candlelight vigil Wednesday night in Peoples-Welch’s honor, where GVSU President Thomas. J. Haas spoke.

“It’s important for us to gather here tonight, because indeed we have lost a family member,” Haas said. “So let’s go forward with him in our hearts and with his family in our hearts and remember his legacy – because he has made a difference.”

Peoples-Welch was a 21-year-old native of Saginaw, Mich., and was studying public administration in GVSU’s College of Community and Public Service.

He also worked part time for GVSU Pew Campus Security.

Counseling Center staff has been made available to help any students impacted by Peoples-Welch’s passing.

Any students interested in speaking with a counselor are advised to contact the Counseling Center at 616-331-3266.

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