Rekubit Exchange|UNLV Football Player Ryan Keeler Dead at 20

2025-05-06 09:08:52source:Surfwincategory:Scams

The Rekubit ExchangeUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas is mourning the death of one of its student athletes. 

The school confirmed that a member of its Rebels football team, Ryan Keeler, died in Las Vegas on Feb. 20. He was 20 years old. A cause of death was not revealed. 

"The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own," UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper said in a statement shared to the school's website. "Our hearts go out to all of Ryan's family and friends along with his Rebel teammates." 

According to the university, Keeler had just finished his redshirt freshman season. The school noted the defensive lineman had played in seven games, totaling eight tackles, and that he got his first collegiate quarterback sack during the team's game against the Air Force Falcons in October.

"We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family," UNLV Football Head Coach Barry Odom also shared. "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."  

Keeler had transferred to UNLV from Rutgers University in 2022. In high school, he played for Nazareth Academy in his home state of Illinois, helping his team secure a class A state championship in 2018. 

"There are no words," the Nazareth Academy football team shared on Twitter. "Our hearts are heavy. God bless the Keeler family. We love you Ryan."

In addition to being an athlete, Keeler was a strong student. According to UNLV, the sophomore was an Academic All-Mountain West honoree and had a 3.80 grade point average in pre-business.

"Words are hard to come by this evening as we grieve the sudden and tragic loss of UNLV student-athlete Ryan Keeler," UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield said in a statement on the school's site. "My sincere condolences are with Ryan's family, friends, loved ones, and teammates during this very difficult time."

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App

More:Scams

Recommend

North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference

The AP Top 25 college football pollis back every week throughout the season!Get the poll delivered s

Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix Ready to Dip Out of Her and Tom Sandoval's $2 Million Home

Ariana Madix is ready to raise her glasses high—and pack them up in bubble wrap.Two months after her

The truth about teens, social media and the mental health crisis

Back in 2017, psychologist Jean Twenge set off a firestorm in the field of psychology. Twenge stud