A YOUNG college football player has died at the age of 20, according to his heartbroken teammates.
Ryan Keeler, a University of Nevada Las Vegas lineman, died on Monday in Las Vegas, just a few days after finishing his first full season with the team.
“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” UNLV football head coach Barry Odom said in a statement.
“While I had the honor of knowing Ryan for only a couple of months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student and teammate.
“Our condolences and prayers go out to Ryan’s family as we grieve along with them over this tremendous loss.”
The school did not provide a cause of death.
“The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper.
Last year, the student-athlete transferred from Rutgers to play for the Rebels after earning an impressive number of scholarships.
He played seven games as a defensive lineman for the team, totaling eight tackles.
He recorded his first collegiate sack against Air Force in October of last year.
With a 3.8 GPA and a major in pre-business, the aspiring athlete was named academic All-Mountain.
“Our hearts go out to all of Ryan’s family and friends along with his Rebel teammates.”
Mourning teammates and students raced to Ryan’s social media to post their condolences and wish the gone-too-soon athlete peace.
“One of the most genuine guys I’ve ever known and never brought anything but positivity into this world,” one person wrote on his Instagram.
“A good person and a great friend.”
Another heartbroken friend wrote: “Rest in peace Ryan I love you bro.”
A Chicago native, Keeler graduated from Nazareth Academy.
His former high school also mourned his loss on Twitter and said there were “no words” to describe his passing.
