BETHANY, Oklahoma. — 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 private Division II school based in Bethany, Oklahoma, did not release the cause of death or the nature of Ulrich’s injury.
Tyler Ulrich, 21, died Thursday, October 15, 2026 from head trauma suffered during a football match.
“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 X account.
“This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and all who knew him,” the message read. “We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer.”
SNU coach Dustin Hada also posted on his X account, writing, “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, hardworking, joyful. That’s who Tyler was!!”
School President Keith Newman released a statement saying Ulrich died at the hospital “surrounded by the love, prayers and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends.”
Newman concluded his statement by saying, “May the peace and comfort of God be with us all. »
On Tuesday, SNU held a campus-wide prayer chapel in Ulrich’s honor.
Ulrich was injured during a 49-14 loss on Saturday, with the game delayed for nearly an hour while the player received medical treatment before being taken to hospital.
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 (1-5) had its game against Southwestern Oklahoma State canceled on Saturday.
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