The Lycoming County coroner said it was a staph infection that killed the young college football star. His death has shocked many on the campus of Lycoming College.

Word came late Monday afternoon that senior Ricky Lanetti had a staph infection.  It's a contagious disease that very rarely causes death. Lycoming College officials tells Newswatch 16 the staph infection is not a public health risk and anyone with any questions can call the college.

Students here are having a tough time with Lannetti's death.  "He was sick all week, we didn't even realize how sick he was," said Greg Silenok.  He's mourning a teammate and friend.  Lannetti died Saturday. The Lycoming County coroner said Lannetti's organs shut down because of a staph infection. 

"I've seen him break tackles on the field that monsters couldn't break. He had the most heart out of anybody on our team," said teammate Jim Manley. Lannetti's teammates lost a playoff game on Sunday, just hours after his death. They're already missing his passion for football and friends. They're sticking together to get by. "Y have to be there for each other.  You have to have somebody you can lean on," said teammate Mike Kozak.

Football players aren't the only ones mourning the loss of Ricky Lannetti. Nearly everyone on the campus is having a tough time coming to grips with his death.  "The semester is almost over. Everyone is exicted. Christmas is coming. This just makes it even harder," said sophmore Brenna Thomas.

Students who didn't know the Philadelphia area player are shocked. It's even affecting how they focus on final exams.  "Last night was our candlelight service. There was a definite feeling of loss and sorrow and usually it's more of a celebration for Christmas.  It was really depressing last night," recalled sophmore TJ McCabe.