The Temple University community is mourning the loss of one of its student athletes.

Richie Gargel, a sophomore pitcher on the Owls baseball team, died Wednesday afternoon from injuries suffered in an apparent swimming accident Monday in St. Cloud, Minn. He was 19 years old.

Gargel was playing for the St. Cloud River Bats in the Northwoods Summer Baseball League. A Brigantine, N.J., native who played his high school baseball at Holy Spirit, Gargel appeared in 20 games as a freshman. The lefthander logged 30.2 innings, striking out 26 batters.

"Richie was an outstanding baseball player and big part of the Temple baseball family," Temple head coach Rob Valli said. "He will be sorely missed by everyone that came in contact with him."

Gargel last pitched Saturday, Aug. 4, allowing just one run over five innings in the River Bats' 8-4 win over the Brainerd Blue Thunder. He joined the team July 21.

"The St. Cloud River Bats family is deeply saddened by the death of Richie," River Bats Owner and General Manager Joel Sutherland said. "He joined the team two weeks ago as an aspiring young pitcher with great skill and personal warmth for his teammates and fans. He will be missed by all."

According to a report in the St. Cloud Times, Gargel was well-liked by his River Bats teammates. They displayed his No. 37 jersey in the dugout Tuesday night and wrote that number on their baseball caps.

Gargel came to North Broad Street with an impressive baseball resume. At Holy Spirit, he was a three-time all-Cape Atlantic League selection. He was also named a two-time South Jersey Non-Public all-star by the Camden Courier Post.

Gargel is survived by his parents, Richard and Sherry, along with three sisters – Hannah, Breana and Monica – and a brother, Harrison.

As of Wednesday night, funeral arrangements were pending. Those interested in contributing to a fund that the River Bats have set up for the Gargel family can call 320-240-9798.

OwlScoop.com editor John Di Carlo can be reached at jgdicarlo@gmail.com.