A South Dakota State runner was killed on a training run Thursday near Otsego, Minnesota.

Incoming sophomore Phillip LaVallee, 19, was hit shortly after noon on the western edge of Otsego and was dead at the scene.

The Wright County Sheriff’s Office told the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

The northbound van crossed the centerline of the two-lane road and struck LaVallee as he ran on the southbound shoulder.

LaVallee finished 15th overall at the 2012 Summit League Cross Country Championships and fifth in the 800-meter run at both the league indoor and outdoor track and field championships.

He also was honored as a Summit League Distinguished Scholar and was named to the Summit League Honor Roll for academics while majoring in civil engineering.

SDSU athletic director Justin Sell said in a school press release:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Phillip's family, his teammates and coaches during this very difficult time.

He was a model student-athlete and a great teammate to everyone in our cross country and track and field programs.

He loved being a Jackrabbit and the entire SDSU community shares in this tragic loss.

The incident remains under investigation.  Funeral arrangements are pending.

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