A 21-year-old officer fell ill during his first day of Ranger School on Monday and died Wednesday at a hospital near Fort Benning, according to a release from the Georgia installation.

Second Lt. Michael R. Parros had been treated at the Midtown Medical Center for hyponatremia, per the release — a condition caused by a lack of sodium in the blood. The Mayo Clinic lists "drinking too much water during endurance sports" as a potential cause of the condition, as well as underlying medical problems and other, unnamed, factors.

"This is a tragic loss," Lt. Col. Matthew Weber, commander of 2nd Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, said in the release. "While 2nd Lt. Parros was only with us for a short time, he showed so much potential and was the epitome of the kind of soldier you want to serve with. We are truly saddened to lose a member of our Army family."

Parros reported to Benning on June 27, about a month after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy. He was with 199th Infantry Brigade, according to the release, and planned to attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course after Ranger School.

He played football, hockey and soccer while at West Point, according to the release. Before that, the Walnut Creek, California, native was a backup quarterback at the national-powerhouse De La Salle High School in nearby Concord; he graduated with high honors in 2012.

Parros was listed in the 2013 and 2014 Army West Point football media guides as a wide receiver.

"It's just heartbreaking hearing the news today," De La Salle coach Justin Alumbagh told KGO-TV, adding that Parros frequently returned to his high school to work with players.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Parros family and friends during this exceptionally challenging time," Weber said.

About Kevin Lilley

Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.

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