12 Tufts University Lacrosse Players Diagnosed with Life-Threatening Muscle Disorder After Workout

Mar. 15, 2025

Tufts University Jumbos celebrate with championship trophy during the Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship held at Lincoln Financial Field on May 26, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Photo:Larry French/NCAA Photos via Getty

Larry French/NCAA Photos via Getty

Multiple members of the men’s lacrosse team at Tufts University were hospitalized last week with a life-threatening muscle condition after doing a Navy SEAL-style workout, the school confirmed.

Collins said that the hospitalized team members are currently receiving care from medical professionals. “Our thoughts are with the players and their families, and we are hoping for their quick return to good health under the care of local medical experts,” he said.

Tufts University Jumbos accept the championship trophy during the Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship held at Lincoln Financial Field on May 26, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Larry French/NCAA Photos via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Meanwhile, we are closely monitoring the condition of the rest of the team and have postponed all team practice activities until each team member has been evaluated and medically cleared to return to participation,” he continued.

Tufts University plans to investigate the incident, Collins said, and will “conduct a thorough review as quickly as possible, with a goal of taking any steps needed to support the safety of our student-athletes.”

According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, rhabdo is a potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs “when damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood,” often from heat or overuse. The muscle tissue breaks down and releases a dangerous protein called creatine kinase into the blood, but the condition is treatable, typically with IVs to flush the proteins out of a patient’s system, according to theCleveland Clinic.

source: people.com