Ben Christman, a 21-year-old student and football player at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, has tragically passed away. A news release on the UNLV athletics website reported Christman’s passing. He was discovered in his off-campus apartment on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 11.
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The cause and manner of Christman’s death remain officially classified as “pending,” per CBS affiliate KLAS.
UNLV Football mourns passing of student-athlete Ben Christmanhttps://t.co/9W5cIfXtHU pic.twitter.com/2qBlz1D11U
— UNLV Football (@unlvfootball) February 12, 2025
University President Keith E. Whitfield expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of Christman’s passing, stating that he was “incredibly saddened” by the news.
“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,” Whitfield’s statement read. “On behalf of UNLV, our sincere condolences are with Ben’s family, friends, loved ones and teammates during this very difficult time.”
UNLV’s head football coach Dan Mullen also shared that the team was “broken” in the wake of Christman’s death.
“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” Mullen shared in a statement. “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.”
Ben Christman Recently Transferred After Playing Football at the University of Kentucky
According to UNLV’s website, Christman transferred from Kentucky, where he played in 12 games. However, the offensive lineman had not yet seen any game action with the Runnin’ Rebels.
We're saddened to learn of the passing of Ben Christman.
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) February 12, 2025
Condolences to his family, friends and teammates during this difficult time. https://t.co/Gb20KTWqOM pic.twitter.com/GueJuWDxDB
Kentucky head football coach Mark Stoops also paid tribute to Christman following the news of his passing.
“[Christman] was a player who came in every day and went to work. He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time,” Stoops wrote on X.
University officials announced that mental health and support services are being offered to those in need.