LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A student-athlete for the UNLV football team has died, the university announced on Tuesday.
The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner identified the student on Wednesday as 21-year-old Benjamin Christman.
Christman was a native of Akron, Ohio, and previously played at Ohio State and Kentucky before transferring to UNLV this past December, set to bolster the Rebels's offensive line.
Adding force up front 🚫
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) December 27, 2024
Welcome to Las Vegas, @BenChristman_ 🎰 pic.twitter.com/JG1QaVy6Mw
In a statement sent to Channel 13, a UNLV Athletics spokesperson said:
"UNLV Athletics was notified earlier today of the passing of a student-athlete who was a member of the football team at their off-campus residence. This is an extremely difficult day for our athletics department and the university community. Out of respect for the student’s family and pending formal notification of next of kin by the Clark County Coroner’s Office, the university has no further information to share at this time."
University Keith Whitfield offered the following statement:
“I was incredibly saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Ben Christman. There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age, and my heart breaks for all who knew and loved him. On behalf of UNLV, our sincere condolences are with Ben’s family, friends, loved ones, and teammates during this very difficult time."
Director of Athletics Erick Harper said the following:
“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of Ben Christman, a new member of our football program and UNLV community. Ben recently joined us as a transfer student and had already made a meaningful impact on his teammates and coaches. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates during this extremely difficult time. Counseling services are being provided for anyone in need.”
Head Coach Dan Mullen had this to say:
“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates. Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”
UNLV said they are offering mental health and related support services to those in need on campus.
A cause of death will be released by the Clark County coroner's office at a later time.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
