Western Washington Player’s Death Caused by Heart Problem

Duke Wallenborn, the leading scorer for the Western Washington University basketball team, died Monday of heart failure, officials said.

The death of Wallenborn, 23, was caused by an abnormal heart rhythm, said Dr. Robert Rood, Whatcom County medical examiner.

The athlete and his parents were aware of his heart condition and a cardiologist had cleared him to play basketball, a university spokesman said.

Wallenborn, a 6-foot-6 junior from Vancouver, Wash., was the school’s leading scorer this season, averaging 13.8 points.

Wallenborn was stricken at an off-campus apartment, officials said.