Ben Siegfried, a former college football player who worked as an athletic trainer for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks and D.C. Defenders, died Thursday, according to the league.
He was 22.
On Friday, the XFL and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson expressed their condolences to his family and friends.
“The XFL family mourns the loss of our teammate, Ben Siegfried, who passed away last evening,” the league said. “Ben, a graduate student athletic trainer from Lebanon Valley College working with the XFL Athletic Training Department, was an integral part of preparing our BattleHawks and Defenders for the season.
“His infectious smile in the locker room and passion for his work will be deeply missed by all the players and staff who had the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
“So so sorry to hear this devastating news come in earlier today. Sending strength, love, light, and mana to the Siegfried family during this heartbreaking time. We are with you. Stay strong.”
Siegfried’s cause of death was not released.
He died at the team hotel, according to FOX 2 St. Louis.
Siegfried attended Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania and played defensive tackle.
The school also issued a statement following his death.
“LVC is saddened to learn that Ben Siegfried ’22, M’23 has passed away. A @LVCFootball DT, Ben was finishing his master’s degree in athletic training and was doing his clinical training with the XFL. Please keep Ben’s family, loved ones, and friends in your thoughts and prayers,” the school tweeted.
Siegfried was a three-sport athlete at Lebanon Valley College and received a sportsmanship award in 2021. In 2021, he had 17 tackles and a half-sack for the school.
