Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich has died, days after suffering a traumatic injury during a game, the university announced. He was 21.
Ulrich, a sophomore safety, died on Thursday, October 15, five days after his Crimson Storm lost on the road to Ouachita Baptist University. The Bethany, Oklahoma school did not disclose what Ulrich’s injury was or his cause of death.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful,” Tyler’s father, Mark Ulrich, wrote via Facebook on Thursday. “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. Tyler will join many of our loved ones that have passed. Tyler led a life full of faith, passion and being a BEAST on the football field!!! He will be remembered always.”
The university’s athletic department also shared a statement via social media, announcing Tyler’s death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our SNU football player, Tyler Ulrich,” the statement read. “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.”
Southern Nazarene’s head coach, Dustin Hada, quoted the statement on X, adding that Tyler was a “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous.”
School president Dr. Keith Newman added in a statement that Tyler was, “surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates and dear friends.”
A native of Azle, Texas, Tyler came to SNU in 2024 after being named Second-Team All-District at Azle High School. He was also an accomplished power lifter who was majoring in finance and enjoyed church, working out, and water sports, according to his bio on the SNU athletics site.
Tyler appeared in all six of the Crimson Storm’s games in 2026, tallying 39 total tackles, including 17 solo.
“Football teaches you to be strong, to persevere, to trust your teammates, and to never give up,” reads a GoFundMe description set up to help Tyler’s family. “But no amount of preparation could have prepared Tyler or his loved ones for the battle they are facing today.”
The fundraiser has garnered more than $22,000 as of Friday, October 16, with a goal of $26,000.
Southern Nazarene’s next game, scheduled for Saturday, October 17, against Southwestern Oklahoma State University, has been canceled.
