Hankins was 21.
Darren Hankins, a 21-year-old Virginia Tech wrestler, died on Wednesday night in a swimming accident in Blacksburg, Va, the school announced. The Chesapeake, Va. native was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The Virginia Tech Athletics family suffered a great tragedy this evening," Virginia Tech athletic director Whit Babcock said in a statement. "Darren was a wonderful representative of the wrestling team and of this university. Our hearts go out to his family, our Virginia Tech family, and his countless friends during this difficult time."
Hankins, a philosophy major, posted 14-13 record as a sophomore in 2012-2013, his second year on the Hokies' wrestling team. He underwent knee surgery and missed the 2013-2014 season.
"Darren Hankins was very special to our wrestling program and our entire athletic department," Hokies wrestling head coach Kevin Dresser said. "As a father and as his coach, this is something that we would hope no family would have to go through. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Hankins family at this time. Darren was a wonderful young man. Virginia Tech Wrestling was a better place because of Darren Hankins."