The sister of late Southern Nazarene sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich shared an emotional post after her brother’s sudden death at 21 after suffering a “traumatic injury” during a game.
“I never thought I would have to find the words to say goodbye to my big brother. No amount of time could have ever prepared me for the heartbreak of losing you,” Kaylee Parrish wrote via Facebook on Thursday, October 15. “I wish I could hear your laugh one more time, or have just one more conversation with you. There are so many things I wish I could say and so many more memories I wish we could make together.”
She continued, “You weren’t just my older brother, you were someone I always thought would be here. Someone I thought I’d get to grow old with, laugh with, and share all of life’s biggest moments with. It’s hard to imagine a world where you’re no longer here, and even harder knowing that life has to go on without you in it.”
Ulrich died on Thursday, five days after he suffered an injury during a game against Ouachita Baptist University. Details about the incident are unclear, but Southern Nazarene president SNU President Keith Newman described it as “a traumatic injury.” An official cause of death has not been announced.
“I would give anything for just one more day with you,” Parrish continued. “I hope you knew how much I loved you and how much you meant to me. I’ll forever cherish every memory, every laugh, and every moment we got to share. A piece of my heart went to Heaven with you, and nothing will ever fill that empty space.”
Her post concluded, Until then, I’ll carry you with me through every milestone, every memory, and every day of my life. I’ll love you, miss you, and wish you were here for the rest of my days. I’ll never let anyone forget you and I will spend the rest of my life trying to walk through your shoes and live the way you would want me [to]. I love you big brother, thank you for all you’ve taught me! Until we meet again .”
Tyler’s father, Mark, confirmed his son’s death on social media on Thursday.
“Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful,” Mark wrote via Facebook. “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.”
