Drew Charles Pfarr, an outstanding Towson University lacrosse midfielder who went on to play the sport professionally, took his life July 24 in Belize. The Towson resident was 27.
Mr. Pfarr was in Belize being treated for substance abuse at the time of his death, family members said.
Mr. Pfarr was born in Lancaster, Pa., and raised in Severna Park. He was a 2000 graduate of St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, where he excelled as a lacrosse player.
"Drew began playing lacrosse when he was 4," said his sister, Anastasia Khoo of Washington.
After graduating from high school, Mr. Pfarr was awarded a lacrosse scholarship to Towson, where he played midfield in 56 career games and scored 39 goals with 13 assists.
He also helped the Tigers win three conference championships and participate in three NCAA tournaments.
"Drew was one of the best midfielders ever to wear a Towson uniform and was a fine young man as well," said Towson lacrosse coach Tony Seaman.
"He was a superb all-around athlete with great speed. He was a key to our success back in those years and an element in Towson's overall improvement during his four-year career at the university," he said. "He also played an instrumental role in our run to the Final Four in 2001."
Mr. Pfarr earned a bachelor's degree in communications and marketing from Towson in 2005.
In the Major League Lacrosse collegiate draft, Mr. Pfarr was selected 27th overall by the Boston Cannons in 2004, and a year later was selected by the Baltimore Bayhawks in the supplemental draft.
During the 2005 season, Mr. Pfarr played in 11 Bayhawks games, scoring nine goals, including two two-point goals, and contributing eight assists for 19 points.
The Bayhawks went to the playoffs in 2005, and in a semifinal game against the Rochester Rattlers, Mr. Pfarr recorded an assist as his team beat Rochester, 20-13.
During the league championship game against the Long Island Lizards, Mr. Pfarr scored a goal in the second quarter, contributing to the Bayhawks' 15-9 victory.
At the conclusion of the season, Mr. Pfarr was acquired by the Chicago Machine during the expansion draft, and later that same day was traded to the Cannons.
Mr. Pfarr played in 12 games, scoring 12 goals and three assists during the 2006 season.
Because of injuries, he played in only three games during the 2007 season and retired.
