Southern Nazarene University Football Player Dies Days After Sustaining Head Injury in Game

A 21-year-old sophomore football player for Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in Bethany, Oklahoma, has died five days after suffering a traumatic head injury during a Division II collegiate game. Tyler Ulrich passed away on Thursday, the university announced, following the incident that occurred last Saturday.

While SNU did not publicly disclose the specific nature of the injury that led to Ulrich’s death, reports indicate he suffered a head injury during the game. The match was interrupted for nearly an hour as medical personnel attended to Ulrich on the field before he was transported to a hospital.

Tributes Pour In for Beloved Teammate

The SNU Athletics department shared their grief on social media platform X, stating:

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.

Dustin Hada, the head coach for Southern Nazarene’s football program, also expressed his sorrow for the loss of his player. He described Ulrich as a:

Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!

Mark Ulrich, Tyler’s father, had previously posted on Facebook on Thursday, while his son was still fighting for his life, indicating the family “truly need a miracle.” Later that day, he shared the heartbreaking news of his son's passing.

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's Collegiate Career and Team's Response

Ulrich was in his third season playing for SNU. During his time with the program, he had started 16 of his 20 games. This season, he had started six games and accumulated 36 tackles.

In response to Ulrich’s death, SNU has canceled its upcoming football game scheduled for this Saturday against Southwestern Oklahoma State.