TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) Florida State basketball player Ronalda Pierce died early Tuesday, apparently from an aneurysm that may have resulted from a genetic disease that typically affects tall people. Preliminary results from an autopsy indicated that Pierce, who was the tallest player on the Seminoles at 6-foot-5, died because of a ruptured aorta that was caused by an aneurysm, which may have been caused by the hereditary disorder, Marfan syndrome.
About 56,000 people nationwide are afflicted with Marfan syndrome, which affects connective tissue, the basic substance that holds together blood vessels, heart valves, cartilage, tendons and other structures. Those affected are often tall, slender and loose-jointed.
Flo Hyman, the 6-foot-5 star of the U.S. volleyball team that won the silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, died as a result of the disorder during a game in Japan in 1986
Associated Press.
About 56,000 people nationwide are afflicted with Marfan syndrome, which affects connective tissue, the basic substance that holds together blood vessels, heart valves, cartilage, tendons and other structures. Those affected are often tall, slender and loose-jointed.
Flo Hyman, the 6-foot-5 star of the U.S. volleyball team that won the silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, died as a result of the disorder during a game in Japan in 1986
Associated Press.
