Saint Mary's rugby player Dominic Peterson dies after collapsing during team practice

Dominic Peterson, a 19-year-old sophomore at Saint Mary's College, died on September 4, 2026, following a medical emergency during a team training session in Moraga, California. Peterson, an athlete who played for the USA Rugby U-19 team earlier this summer, collapsed near the end of a training run of less than two miles. Witnesses reported that he initially attempted to continue before requiring further assistance. Teammates and family members described the athlete as physically fit prior to the incident. School president Roger J. Thompson announced the death on September 5 and established a memorial fund at the request of the family to support the men's rugby program. The Contra Costa County medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed a cause of death.

• 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Saint Mary's student, 19, dies after collapsing during rugby team training