Former Poland football star Darius Patton found dead

FARRELL, PA. — Former Poland Seminary High School football standout Darius Patton, 20, was found dead today at his mother’s residence in the 600 block of Beechwood Avenue in Farrell, Pa.

Police were called to the residence at 7:13 a.m.

The death was confirmed a suicide by Riley Smoot, Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Chief.

Mercer County Coroner J. Bradley McGonigle could not be reached early Thursday afternoon. Personnel at his office said it’s unsure when his ruling on the manner of death will be released.

Patton was a 2011 graduate of Poland High School where he played football and basketball. Considered the Mahoning Valley’s top football prospect for his class, he earned a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh.

In August 2011, Patton collapsed during a Panthers practice and was rushed to the emergency room. He was hospitalized overnight and returned to practice.

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