Cal Poly football player dies of pulmonary embolism

A Cal Poly football player died Wednesday, the university said in an email to the campus community.

Keith Marco, a 21-year-old a junior food science major from Redondo Beach, died due to a pulmonary embolism, according to the letter from Cal Poly President Jeffrey Armstrong and Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Humphrey.

“The university is in touch with Keith’s family and is extending its full support to them and his friends,” the letter said. “Our thoughts are with them as they grieve their loss.”

Marco came to Cal Poly after graduating from Redondo Union High School.

He was an offensive lineman for the Mustangs for three years. He redshirted his first two seasons and played one game against San Jose State in 2023.

He was also a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, according to a memorial website created by his sister, Emma.

“Keith was always a gentle giant,” Emma wrote of her 290-pound, 6-foot-4 brother. “At a certain point he could sit on me to win an argument. My only defense was my quickness against his enormous size.”

She added, “He and I balanced our family like the sharp keel balances the towering sail of a sailboat. We took turns comforting each other in times of need and bringing joy to our parents in their own sorrows.”

“I never had to stand alone with Keith by my side,” she said.