Hunter Mason, a former Western Illinois defensive lineman, died of brain cancer at the age of 22. The college
football world mourns his death.
Mason died at home in Missouri after undergoing treatment for glioblastoma, a fast-moving and severe form of brain
cancer.
“The loss of Hunter is tragic and heartbreaking,” WIU Football Strength and Conditioning Coach Jon Minnis stated.
“For those who knew Hunter, he was a remarkable young guy with an infectiously optimistic demeanor. We are
tremendously proud of Hunter and grieved by his death.”
Mason has appeared in 29 games for the Leathernecks since 2018, starting 15 and 11 respectively throughout the
most recent 2021 football season.
Mason finished his career with 56 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He
was named All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention as a linebacker.
Mason completed his undergraduate degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration at Western Illinois
University in three years as an Honors Scholar with High Academic Distinction, Summa Cum Laude.
Mason earned three MVFC Honor Roll selections, two MVFC All-Academic Honorable Mentions, and two MVFC
Commissioner’s Excellence List of Academic Excellence awards while pursuing a Master’s degree in Sport
Management last year.
