A promising young college footballer and student athlete has tragically passed away at the age of just 20 in a 'heartbreaking' loss.
The University of Nevada Las Vegas defensive lineman Ryan Keeler's death was tragically confirmed by the school on Monday, just weeks after celebrating his first full season with the team.
A cause of death has not yet been released, after his death was first reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. before being confirmed by the football team on their social media platforms. Keeler was in his second year of study, but his first year at the new college after transferring from Rutgers.
Keeler played in eight games for the UNLV Rebels in his first year, with the impressive 6'6, 275lbs versatile defensive star totalling eight tackles and one sack in those contests.
In a statement, UNLV head coach Barry Odom said: "We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family," UNLV football head coach Barry Odom said in a statement.
"While I had the honour 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."
Further statements from UNLV have since been posted, with Director of Athletics Erick Harper stating: "The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own. Our hearts go out to all of Ryan's family and friends along with his Rebel teammates."
His teammate, Adam Plant Jr, tweeted: "Long Live Ryan Keeler gone way too soon I’m lost for words right now love you forever brother."
Another one of his teammates added: "One of the most genuine guys I've ever known and never brought anything but positivity into this world," one person wrote on his Instagram. "A good person and a great friend."
Keeler was also described as an incredibly intelligent young man, with an impressive 3.8 grade point average (GPA), (equals to first-class honours in the UK).
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