TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Nelson Townsend, Florida A&M University's interim athletic director who was named last month after Kellen Winslow resigned, died at the age 73 years old.

According to source and school officials, Townsend was rushed from FAMU campus to the hospital Thursday morning, right when he was preparing for an 8:30 a.m. meeting.

It apparent to been an heart attack.

Townsend was in his third stint as athletic director at FAMU and even though he didn't attend the university, friends say he truly cared about the institution.

Source says on Wednesday, He already had the 2015 football schedule out and was talking about the upcoming fall semester.

FAMU issued the following statement regarding Townsend's passing.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) was shaken this morning by the sudden death of Interim Athletic Director Nelson Townsend. President Elmira Mangum said, The University lost a dear friend, excellent leader, and administrator. She applauded Nelson Townsend as a fine man of God and compassionate human being.

We will miss Nelson Townsend. We join his wife and family in mourning this great loss, Mangum said.

The Tallahassee Democrat released that Nelson Townsend's funeral will take place at noon Wednesday in Gaither Gymnasium on Florida A&M's campus. There will be a viewing starting at 10 a.m. and the family has stated that the funeral's time and place are subject to change.

The HBCU Campaign team sends our condolences to the FAMU Rattler and Townsend family during this sadden time.