Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich died from a traumatic brain injury and bleeding in the brain following an on-field collision earlier this month, according to a coroner’s report obtained by ESPN.
The 21-year-old was rushed to the hospital after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit during a game on Oct. 10. Despite receiving medical treatment, Ulrich died five days later, on Oct. 15.
A Southern Nazarene University spokesperson told ESPN that school officials had not yet received the coroner’s report but confirmed that university leaders, coaches and teammates had attended a memorial service honoring Ulrich in Azle, Texas.
“Our university president, football team and coaches participated in a Celebration of Life service for Tyler last Sunday afternoon in Azle, Texas. The report you mentioned has not been provided to us,” the spokesperson said. “Our campus community is faithfully remembering his family, teammates and coaches in our prayers.”
Tyler Ulrich, a sophomore defensive back at Southern Nazarene University (SNU), died from injuries sustained during the Crimson Storm’s loss to Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 10.
The tragic incident occurred during the Division II matchup, which was halted for approximately 45 minutes as medical personnel attended to Ulrich on the field before he was transported to a hospital.
At the time, Southern Nazarene officials described the 21-year-old’s condition as a “traumatic injury.”
“This loss is deeply felt across our campus,” the university said in a statement following his death. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time.”
Although both teams resumed play and completed the game following the incident, Southern Nazarene subsequently canceled its scheduled game the following week as the university community mourned Ulrich’s death.
Ulrich, a sophomore defensive back for Southern Nazarene University, was remembered by Crimson Storm head coach Dustin Hada as a talented athlete and a devoted man of faith.
“Tyler was an outstanding football player and a tremendous man of faith,” Hada told ESPN. “He was a great example of quiet strength and a leader in our locker room for sure.”
Ulrich’s death marks the second time a college football player has died following an on-field incident this season.
In August, William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett died after unexpectedly collapsing on the field during a game.
