The college football world was struck with some truly terrible news regarding UNLV football player Ryan Keeler. Multiple reports emerged revealing that the 20-year-old defensive lineman passed away while in Las Vegas.
UNLV Football’s social media team took to Twitter on Monday night to, unfortunately, confirm his passing.
UNLV Mourns Passing Of Football Student-Athlete Ryan Keelerhttps://t.co/wn1xtKZ0OZ pic.twitter.com/1Z4pOyrP0F
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) February 21, 2023
UNLV football head coach Barry Odom offered a message about Keeler on UNLV’s team website. Odom detailed his importance to the program not only as a player but as an individual.
“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” said Odom. “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 came to UNLV after spending one year at Rutgers where he redshirted his true freshman season.
We love you, Ryan ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qpI1u8UiW5
— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) February 21, 2023
Ryan Keeler was a star at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois. They also posted a very touching tribute for Keeler on Twitter.
There are no words. Our hearts are heavy. God bless the Keeler family. We love you Ryan. pic.twitter.com/Znro5j75UV
— Nazareth Academy Football (@FootballNaz) February 21, 2023
“There are no words. Our hearts are heavy. God bless the Keeler family. We love you Ryan,” Nazareth Academy captioned their post.
The college football world took notice of this extremely unfortunate news on Monday night. Many offered their condolences and prayers for Ryan Keeler’s family during this difficult time.
This is incredibly sad to see. I messaged with Ryan several times while he was being recruited by Texas Tech a couple years ago. Was a great kid and always willing to help out.
Thinking of the Keeler family tonight. https://t.co/b8AXgxtW4e
— Ben Golan (@BenjaminGolan) February 21, 2023
Sad news. UNLV defensive end Ryan Keeler died on Monday, the school announced.
Keeler, 20, just finished his redshirt freshman season after transferring from Rutgers.
“The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own,” said UNLV AD Erick Harper.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) February 21, 2023
Former UNLV coaches on the passing of Ryan Keeler:
“He was super humble and kind. Had a great personality. He was such a wonderful kid.” pic.twitter.com/C92ZOCI6Y6
— . (@PalomaVillicana) February 21, 2023
San Jose State and Air Force posted extremely classy replies to UNLV’s Twitter post, offering their best wishes to the program.
Sending our love to the entire @unlvfootball family.❤️
— San José State Football (@SanJoseStateFB) February 21, 2023
Sending your team and Ryan’s family our love❤️
— Air Force Football (@AF_Football) February 21, 2023
There is currently no cause of death that has been revealed to this point. Regardless, this tragic news has very clearly shaken the college football world to its core.
[UNLVRebels.com, UNLV Football on Twitter]
