Coroner Report Confirms Traumatic Brain Injury Caused Southern Nazarene Player's Death
A coroner's report confirmed that Southern Nazarene University sophomore defensive back Tyler Ulrich died from a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed after a helmet-to-helmet collision during a game on Oct. 10.
Southern Nazarene University (SNU) confirmed that 21-year-old defensive back Tyler Ulrich died five days after sustaining a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed from a helmet-to-helmet collision during a Division II game against Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 10. A coroner’s report obtained by ESPN identified the injury as the cause of death.
University officials said the incident delayed the game for about 45 minutes while medical staff attended to Ulrich. The teams completed the match, but SNU cancelled its following-week game.
A university spokesperson told reporters that a Celebration of Life service was held for Ulrich in Azle, Texas, and that the campus community is remembering his family, teammates and coaches in prayer. The spokesperson added that the coroner’s report had not been provided to the university.
Crimson Storm head coach Dustin Hada told ESPN that Ulrich was a respected player and leader in the locker room. The university issued a statement expressing condolences to Ulrich’s family and friends and asking the community to keep them in prayer during the difficult time.