Virginia lacrosse standout is dead

The University of Virginia is mourning the passing of former lacrosse standout Will Barrow, who was found dead in his apartment Saturday in Charlottesville.

Barrow was 22. A resident of Long Island, N.Y., he was one of the nation's finest defensive midfielders during a four-year career at U.Va. that ended last season. As a sophomore in 2006, Barrow helped the the Cavaliers win the NCAA title.

This semester, Barrow was enrolled as a part-time student at U.Va., where he was completing work on his bachelor's degree in sociology.

Virginia coach Dom Starsia was not available for comment, but Athletic Director Craig Littlepage released a statement yesterday.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Will Barrow's family," Littlepage said. "Will was a valued member of the University of Virginia community and of our athletics department family. His loss is difficult for all who knew him -- his teammates, coaches, teachers, friends and department staff members. All are grieving for Will and for his parents and his sister and his brother."

Littlepage said the university is "providing around-the-clock support and counseling for those who need it . . . and gathering with those closest to Will, including his teammates and coaches, in order to provide comfort and support. We will continue to work together as a community to help each other through this very difficult time."

The cause of death has not been disclosed. Barrow's father arrived in Charlottesville yesterday, a U.Va. spokesperson said last night, and arrangements for a memorial service have not been made.