Tyler Ulrich, a 21-year-old sophomore defensive player at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, has died five days after suffering a head injury during a Division II football game, the school announced Thursday.
SNU did not disclose the exact cause of death but confirmed Ulrich sustained a head injury during Saturday’s game. Play was halted for nearly an hour while he received medical attention on the field before being taken to a hospital.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” SNU Athletics said in a post on X. “This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer.”
Head coach Dustin Hada also paid tribute to Ulrich on social media, describing him as a “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!”
Ulrich’s father, Mark, had posted on Facebook earlier Thursday as his son continued to fight for his life, writing that the family “truly need a miracle.” Hours later, he shared the news of his son’s death.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful. But as much support and love that was given, it is with a heavy heart I am writing to say the Lord called Tyler this morning at 11:13 a.m.”
Ulrich was in his third season with the Southern Nazarene football program, having started 16 of 20 games during his time with the team. This season he started six games and recorded 36 tackles.
In the wake of his death, Southern Nazarene canceled its scheduled game against Southwestern Oklahoma State this weekend.
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