In the middle of last Saturday’s football game between Southern Nazarene University and Ouachita Baptist University at Cliff Harris Stadium, sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich suffered a traumatic injury. On Oct. 15, Ulrich was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to Yahoo Sports, the football game was delayed by almost an hour after Ulrich collapsed. He received medical attention on the field before being transported to a local hospital.
Southern Nazarene, a Division II private school in Bethany, Okla., did not release details on the cause of death. It is unknown what led up to Ulrich’s traumatic injury and death. However, SNU athletics said in a statement, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich. 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."
According to ESPN, SNU also canceled its Oct. 17 game against Southwestern Oklahoma State. The University held a campuswide prayer chapel to honor Ulrich, who ranked third on the team with 36 tackles, one of the team’s most accomplished defensive players.
"Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That's who Tyler was!!” said SNU head football coach Dustin Hada on X.
Ulrich’s supporters created a GoFundMe to support the family as they grieve his loss, which notes, “Football teaches you to be strong, to persevere, to trust your teammates, and to never give up. But no amount of preparation could have prepared Tyler or his loved ones for the battle they are facing today. His family has remained by his side, holding onto one another, leaning on their faith, and facing decisions and emotions that no family should ever have to endure.”
