A 19-year-old college basketball player has died after reportedly stepping in front of a train

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A 19-year-old college basketball player has died after reportedly stepping in front of a train

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Cassius and Zachary Winston

Albion College basketball player Zachary Winston has died after stepping in front of a train, according to the Albion Department of Public Safety.

Winston reportedly walked in front of an Amtrak train at a pedestrian crossing in Michigan at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, dying aged 19.

He was the younger brother of Michigan State University player Cassius Winston. Winston's other brother, Khy, played alongside him at Albion.

"As a community, our hearts are broken today as we share the news of the passing of one of our students, Zachary Winston," Albion College president Mauri Ditzler said in a statement.

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"Zach was a finance major, a student in the Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management, and [a] member of the Albion College men's basketball team. Beyond that, he was an extremely charismatic young man with an infectious smile. Zach was a recognized leader who was well known across every facet of our campus. He was a fantastic student with a world of potential before him.

"He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed."

In the days and months prior to his death, Winston shared a number of posts on social media.

"I know the truth is you won't love me til I'm gone. And even then the thing that comes after is moving on," Winston said on Instagram a day before he died. The post was accompanied by a series of photographs of him smiling.

A Twitter post from August, with a photo of the words "black mental health", read: "It's been swept under the rug so much I don't even want to hear myself talk about my own problems knowing that I need to let it out."

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Albion State says it will be providing "counseling and support in the challenging days ahead" and that it wants "all students to know they are not alone."

Cassius: "If I could carry your pain I would"

Cassius, who was named a preseason All-American last month, shared an Instagram message on Monday.

"I love you bro, w everything I have in my entire body," Winston's post read. "I love you so much, if I could carry yo pain I would wear it on my shoulders just to see you happy and wouldn't think twice.

"I understand it was too much, I understand I really do and yo story won't end here. I can promise you that, the next time I run into someone in your situation ima save them, cause that's wha you would want me to do."

It continued: "You are the strongest, wisest, kindest, most caring person … rest up my baby and keep watching over us, save me a seat. And when it's all said and done ima have so much to tell you. You gone already know but ima tell you anyway. Love you. Wish your story coulda had a diff ending, it's ok tho enjoy it up there. Ima see you soon enough."

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The 21-year-old started for Michigan State on Sunday despite the tragedy, scoring 17 points in a resounding 100-47 victory over the Binghamton Bearcats.

A moment of silence was held in honor of his late brother before the game.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life, get help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress, as well as best practices for professionals and resources to aid in prevention and crisis situations.

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