Southern Nazarene University safety Tyler Ulrich was taken to a hospital after being injured during the team’s game against Ouachita Baptist on Saturday. Tragically, he never recovered.
The Division II school in Bethany, Oklahoma, announced on Thursday that Ulrich had died five days after suffering what it called a “traumatic injury” during the game. He was 21 years old.
Injury Against Ouachita Baptist
Ulrich was injured during Southern Nazarene’s 49-14 loss to Ouachita Baptist in Arkansas. The game was delayed for nearly an hour while he received medical attention on the field before being transported to a hospital.
The school has not revealed the cause of death or the specific nature of the injury, though OutKick reported that he suffered a head injury.
Ulrich, a native of Azle, Texas, was in his third season with the program. He had started 16 of his 20 career games, including six this season, and ranked third on the team with 36 tackles, according to the Associated Press.
Southern Nazarene, now 1-5, has canceled its game at Southwestern Oklahoma State this Saturday.
‘Lifting Them Up in Prayer’
Southern Nazarene athletics announced Ulrich’s tragic death in a post on X on Thursday afternoon.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” the post read. “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 his player.
“Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. Thats who Tyler was!!” Hada wrote.
Ulrich’s father, Mark, had posted on Facebook earlier Thursday that the family “truly need a miracle.” Later that afternoon, he shared the devastating news.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful,” he wrote, via OutKick. “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.”
Our thoughts are with Ulrich’s family, friends, and teammates.
The post College football player tragically dies after injury during game appeared first on The Comeback: Today’s Top Sports Stories & Reactions.