Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma announced Thursday that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich died five days after suffering what the school called a “traumatic injury” during a game against Ouachita Baptist. Ulrich was 21 years old.
The Bethany, Oklahoma-based Division II school did not release the cause of death or the nature of Ulrich’s injury. Ulrich was injured during a 49-14 loss on Saturday, with the game delayed for nearly an hour while he received medical treatment before being taken to hospital.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” SNU Athletics said in a post on its
SNU coach Dustin Hada also posted a tribute to X: “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, hardworking, joyful. That’s who Tyler was!!”
School President Keith Newman said Ulrich died at the hospital “surrounded by the love, prayers and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends.”
On Tuesday, SNU held a campus-wide prayer chapel in Ulrich’s honor.
Ulrich, a native of Azle, Texas, was in his third season at SNU and made 16 starts in 20 games, including six starts this year. He ranked third on the team with 36 tackles.
Southern Nazarene canceled its game against Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday.
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