Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma announced on Thursday that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich has died five days after sustaining what the school called a “traumatic injury” during a game against Ouachita Baptist. Ulrich was 21.
The Division II school based in Bethany, Oklahoma, did not reveal the cause of death or the nature of Ulrich’s injury. Ulrich was hurt during a 49-14 loss on Saturday, with the game delayed for nearly an hour while he received medical attention before being transported to a hospital.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” the SNU Athletics said in a post on its X account. “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.”
SNU coach Dustin Hada also posted a tribute on X: “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. That’s who Tyler was!!”
The school’s president, Keith Newman, said Ulrich died in the hospital “surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends.”
On Tuesday, SNU held a campuswide prayer chapel in honor of Ulrich.
Ulrich, who was from Azle, Texas, was in his third season at SNU and had 16 starts in 20 games, including six starts this year. He ranked third on the team with 36 tackles.
Southern Nazarene have canceled their game at Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday.