Tyler Ulrich, a 21-year-old Southern Nazarene University sophomore football player, died Thursday, five days after suffering a traumatic head injury during a Division II game in Bethany, Oklahoma.
The university did not disclose the exact cause of death but confirmed Ulrich suffered the head injury during Saturday’s game. Play was stopped for nearly an hour while he received medical attention on the field before being taken to a hospital.
SNU Athletics announced the death on its X account. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” the post read. “This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer.”
Head coach Dustin Hada also mourned Ulrich on social media. “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!” he wrote.
Ulrich’s father, Mark, had posted on Facebook earlier Thursday while his son was still fighting, saying the family “truly need a miracle.” He was unable to recover. Later that day, Mark Ulrich returned to Facebook with an update.
Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful. But as much support and love that was given, it is with a heavy heart I am writing to say the Lord called Tyler this morning at 11:13 a.m.
Ulrich was in his third season on the SNU roster, having started 16 of his 20 career games. This season he logged six starts and recorded 36 tackles.
Southern Nazarene canceled its scheduled game against Southwestern Oklahoma State this Saturday following Ulrich’s death.
