Dorian Strong Found Overdosed, Remains in ICU as Team and Family Rally Around Him
April 21, 2025 – In a stunning and deeply troubling development that has rocked the college football community, Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong was found unconscious late Sunday evening in his Blacksburg apartment, the victim of a suspected drug overdose. The 22-year-old standout defender was rushed to Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit in critical but stable condition.
According to sources close to the situation, Strong was discovered by a teammate who had come to check on him after repeated texts and calls went unanswered. The door to the apartment was unlocked. Inside, the player was found unresponsive, with drug paraphernalia present near his bed. Emergency services were called immediately, and paramedics administered Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, before transporting him to the hospital.
Medical officials have not publicly disclosed the exact substance involved, but hospital insiders have indicated the presence of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid responsible for a nationwide surge in overdose deaths. Strong is currently on a ventilator, and while doctors are cautiously optimistic, they stress the next 48 hours are critical.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Hokies’ locker room and the broader college football world. Strong, known for his poise, work ethic, and leadership on and off the field, was entering what many expected to be his breakout season ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was a preseason All-ACC selection and widely considered one of the top defensive backs in the conference.
Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry released a statement Monday morning, asking for privacy and support:
“Our hearts are with Dorian and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Dorian is a beloved member of our program—a brother, a leader, a fighter. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of those closest to him and keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Sources within the program say that Strong had recently exhibited signs of emotional exhaustion and possible substance abuse, though no official reports or disciplinary actions had been filed. One anonymous teammate told reporters, “We knew he was struggling with something, but none of us thought it was this deep. We’re heartbroken.”
Dorian Strong’s family, who traveled to Blacksburg overnight, has remained at his bedside. His mother, Andrea Strong, issued a brief statement through the hospital:
“Dorian is a fighter. He’s always been a fighter. We ask for your prayers, your strength, and your patience as we navigate this battle together.”
In response to the incident, the university has begun an internal review of player wellness programs and mental health outreach services for student-athletes. Experts in college athletics say this tragedy underscores a growing and often overlooked mental health crisis in high-level sports.
As of Monday afternoon, a vigil is being planned on the Virginia Tech campus, where hundreds of students are expected to gather in support of Strong.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
