Lance Sannes, a 2005 University graduate and former Minnesota football player, died of cardiac arrest Sunday in Perham. He was 22.

Sannes, a native of Wahpeton, N.D., was at a wedding Saturday in North Dakota with his girlfriend, Katie Zacharias.

Chad Johnson, a University student and friend of Sannes’, said Sannes clutched his chest and collapsed around 1:30 a.m. Sunday.

Zacharias attempted CPR but could not revive him. Sannes was then taken to Perham Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Johnson said.

Sannes was working at a real estate development company in St. Louis Park, Zacharias said.

He was also refereeing high school basketball and lacrosse games in his spare time this fall and was preparing to referee Division III basketball games in the winter.

Zacharias said Sannes was also looking forward to coaching.

“He was very genuine, a very well-rounded guy,” Zacharias said. “He loved life. There are so many nice things to say about him.”

Sannes played offensive tackle at Minnesota and was listed at 6-feet 7-inches, 300 pounds in the 2004 Minnesota football media guide.

He graduated from the University in May 2005 with a degree in agriculture, food and business management.

According to Johnson, Sannes enjoyed outdoors activities such as hunting and fishing.

“The one thing people should remember most about him,” Johnson said, “is that he was one of the greatest guys you could ever meet. He always put you first and gave so much.”

– David McCoy contributed to this report.