Southern Nazarene University safety Tyler Ulrich has died at 21, five days after suffering a traumatic injury during a game against Ouachita Baptist, the school announced Thursday. The Tyler Ulrich death leaves Southern Nazarene’s football program mourning a player who had started 16 of 20 career games.
Ulrich was hurt during Southern Nazarene’s Oct. 10 game against Ouachita Baptist, according to Bleacher Report. He received medical attention on the field before being transported to a hospital, and the game was delayed for nearly an hour while he was treated, according to Yahoo Sports. Southern Nazarene lost that game 49-14.
Southern Nazarene Confirms Tyler Ulrich Death
Southern Nazarene athletics announced Ulrich’s death in a post on X on Thursday afternoon. “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.”
Ulrich’s father, Mark, also posted on social media Thursday afternoon confirming the news. “Our family is truly blessed to receive all the love and prayers for our young Tyler and we are ever grateful,” he wrote. “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.”
Neither the university nor the family has disclosed the specific nature of Ulrich’s injury or an official cause of death.
What The Tyler Ulrich Death Means For Southern Nazarene
Southern Nazarene canceled its scheduled road game at Southwestern Oklahoma State this Saturday in the wake of Ulrich’s death. The university has not announced when or whether the game will be rescheduled.
A person identified only as Hada offered a tribute that circulated alongside the team’s statement, describing Ulrich as a “Man of God, ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, worker, joyous. Thats who Tyler was!!”
Ulrich’s Career At Southern Nazarene
Ulrich, a native of Azle, Texas, appeared in 20 games for Southern Nazarene across his time with the program. He started six games this season and ranked third on the team with 36 tackles. He had started 16 of his 20 career appearances at safety.
Accounts of Ulrich’s tenure with the program vary slightly. Yahoo Sports reported he was in his third season with Southern Nazarene, while Bleacher Report described him as a sophomore.
What’s Next
Southern Nazarene has not announced funeral arrangements or further details on the circumstances surrounding Ulrich’s injury. The university also has not said when its football program will resume competition following the cancellation of this week’s game at Southwestern Oklahoma State.
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