Southern Nazarene safety Tyler Ulrich dies at 21 after in-game injury
The Oklahoma Division II school says the sophomore was hurt during Saturday's loss to Ouachita Baptist; the cause of death and the nature of the injury were not disclosed.
At a glance
- Southern Nazarene University announced Thursday that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich, 21, had died.
- He was injured during Saturday's 49-14 loss to Ouachita Baptist; the game was delayed nearly an hour.
- The school did not disclose the cause of death or the nature of his injury, and Saturday's next game was cancelled.
Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, announced on Thursday that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich has died, five days after the school said he sustained a "traumatic injury" during a football game. Ulrich was 21.
Ulrich was hurt during SNU's 49-14 loss to Ouachita Baptist on Saturday. The game was delayed for nearly an hour while he received medical attention, and he was then transported to a hospital. The Division II school did not reveal the cause of death or the nature of his injury.
"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 hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who knew him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer."
Tributes from coach and president
SNU coach Dustin Hada also posted a tribute on X, describing Ulrich as a "Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That's who Tyler was!!"
The university's president, Keith Newman, said Ulrich died in the hospital "surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends." On Tuesday, the school held a campuswide prayer chapel in honor of Ulrich.
Team record and Saturday's game cancelled
Ulrich, who was from Azle, Texas, was in his third season at SNU. He had 16 starts in 20 games, including six starts this year, and ranked third on the team with 36 tackles.
Southern Nazarene have cancelled their game at Southwestern Oklahoma State scheduled for Saturday.
Source: The Guardian.
Questions and answers
- How did Southern Nazarene player Tyler Ulrich die?
- The school said Ulrich died five days after sustaining what it called a "traumatic injury" during a game against Ouachita Baptist on Saturday. Southern Nazarene did not reveal the cause of death or the nature of the injury.
- Who was Tyler Ulrich?
- Ulrich was a 21-year-old sophomore safety at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma, from Azle, Texas. He was in his third season with the team, with 16 starts in 20 games and 36 tackles this year.
- Was Southern Nazarene's next game cancelled?
- Yes. Southern Nazarene cancelled their game at Southwestern Oklahoma State, which had been scheduled for Saturday.
