Tyler Ulrich, a 21-year-old sophomore safety for Southern Nazarene University, died five days after sustaining a "traumatic injury" during a game against Ouachita Baptist, the Oklahoma school announced Thursday.
The private Division II university in Bethany, Oklahoma, did not disclose the cause of death or the nature of Ulrich’s injury.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich," SNU Athletics posted on its X account.
"This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him," the post read. "We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer."
SNU coach Dustin Hada also posted on X, writing: "Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!"
School President Keith Newman issued a statement noting Ulrich died in the hospital "surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends."
Newman concluded: "May God’s peace and comfort be with us all."
The university hosted a campuswide prayer chapel on Tuesday in Ulrich's honor.
The safety sustained his injury during Saturday’s 49-14 loss, which was delayed almost an hour while he received on-field medical attention before being transported to the hospital.
Originally from Azle, Texas, Ulrich was in his third season at SNU. He accumulated 16 starts across 20 games, including six starts this autumn, ranking third on the team with 36 tackles. In high school, Ulrich competed in competitive powerlifting and earned football all-district and academic all-state honors.
A finance major, Ulrich listed water sports, working out, and attending church as his interests on his biography page on the school’s website.
His father initially announced his son’s passing in a heartbreaking post on Facebook.
“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.,” the post read in part.
“Tyler will join many of our loved ones that have passed. Tyler led a life full of faith, passion and being a BEAST on the football field!!! He will be remembered always.”
Southern Nazarene (1-5) has canceled Saturday’s game at Southwestern Oklahoma State.