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The UNLV football program is dealing with tragedy following the sudden death of defensive lineman Ryan Keeler.
Keeler, who was a redshirt freshman for the Rebels, was just 20 years old.
The university confirmed that Keeler passed away on Monday in Las Vegas. Keeler was found deceased by a member of the UNLV football at approximately 1:10 p.m. ET on Monday afternoon. No foul play is suspected, according to TMZ Sports, but no other details surrounding his death have not been revealed at this time.
The school issued a statement on Keeler’s death.
“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” first-year 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.”
UNLV Mourns Passing Of Football Student-Athlete Ryan Keelerhttps://t.co/wn1xtKZ0OZ pic.twitter.com/1Z4pOyrP0F
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) February 21, 2023
‘Keeler, who was from Chicago, Illinois, transferred to UNLV from Rutgers last season, and was an Academic All-Mountain West honoree with a 3.80 GPA. He was majoring in pre-business.
“The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. “Our hearts go out to all of Ryan’s family and friends along with his Rebel teammates.”
Our deepest condolences go out to Keeler’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
