A 19-year-old California college rugby player died after suffering a medical emergency while training with his teammates.

Dominic Peterson, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College, was running in Moraga on Friday when he experienced the “medical crisis,” according to a letter from school president Roger Thompson.

Peterson was rushed to a local hospital but died, Thompson said. The nature of the medical emergency has not been disclosed.

The Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District responded to the incident, Fire Chief Jeff Isaacs confirmed Saturday, though he declined to provide additional details.

The Saint Mary’s Gaels rugby program announced Peterson’s death Saturday night, remembering him as a beloved teammate whose personality could light up a room.

“Dominic’s smile was contagious and one that would brighten a room when he entered,” the team said in a social media post. “He always gave 100% effort and encouraged those around him to do the same.”

“Dominic will be in our hearts forever,” the team added.

A memorial service for Peterson was held Saturday morning at the Saint Mary’s College Chapel, according to Thompson’s letter.

The loss sent shock waves through the Saint Mary’s community, with athletes from other programs rallying around Peterson’s teammates and family.

The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball program said it was mourning alongside the rugby team, describing the college as “more than a college, more than a team, and more than a community.”

“We are a family,” the basketball program said. “When one of us hurts, we all hurt.”

The program added: “We stand together” with Peterson’s rugby teammates as they cope with the “unimaginable loss.”

Tributes also poured in from the wider rugby community.

Paul Keeler, executive director of the College Rugby Association of America, said the organization was grieving with Peterson’s family, teammates, coaches and classmates.

“The loss of a young man and teammate in circumstances like these is difficult to comprehend,” Keeler said.

“Rugby has always been more than a game,” he added, noting that the bonds created between teammates extend well beyond competition.

Peterson’s former teammates at California Grizzlies Rugby remembered him as a natural leader who had captained their U19 boys squad during international rugby tours.

“Captain. Teammate. Friend,” the club wrote in a tribute. “We have lost one of our leaders, and we are heartbroken,” the organization said.

Peterson captained the team on trips to the Great Northwest Challenge, Japan and Argentina, according to the tribute.

“A true leader, Dom will be remembered with pride, gratitude, and love,” the club said. “The journeys we shared and the friendships formed along the way will always be part of his legacy.”

The California Grizzlies also extended their condolences to Peterson’s family, his home club, the EPA Razorhawks, and the Saint Mary’s rugby community.

“Rugby has always been more than a game,” the club said. “It gives us a place to belong and friendships that reach far beyond the field.”

“Rest in peace, Dom,” the tribute said. “You will always be our captain, our teammate, and our friend.”