Police in the UK say a Georgia Southern University student has died in a house fire that investigators believe was intentionally set.
According to The Telegraph, 21 year old Thomas Sharkey and his eight year old little sister, Bridget, died after their parents' home in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire, Scotland was set on fire.
Sharkey played for the GSU golf team and was a sophomore at the university.
The Telegraph reports that Sharkey's parents were both treated for severe burns after the fire broke out at their home shortly after 5:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
Sharkey was home for the summer.
According to his bio page on the GSU website, Sharkey chose Georgia Southern "because of the school and excellent facilities available."
Sharkey also said that his grandfather and father had the biggest influence on his athletic career.
“This is a sad, sad day for Georgia Southern golf and for the entire Georgia Southern University community. We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of one of our own, Thomas Sharkey, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” said Eagle Golf Coach Larry Mays. “I speak for all those who were touched by Thomas as he will be sorely missed. He was a passionate person who always brought great enthusiasm to all he did. Thomas was a great teammate and a better friend.”
University officials say Sharkey was scheduled to play in the Scottish Amateur beginning Tuesday.
He competed in seven events for Georgia Southern during the 2010-11 season, including his best outing at the Schenkel Invitational at Forest Heights Country Club in Statesboro.
A memorial service will take place at a later date with details to be announced.
Read more from The Telegraph by clicking here.
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