Southern Nazarene University football player dies after weekend brain injury
Tyler Ulrich, a 21-year-old safety for Southern Nazarene University, died Thursday following a traumatic brain injury sustained during a game in Arkansas.
Southern Nazarene University confirmed that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich, 21, died Thursday after five days in the hospital for a traumatic brain injury suffered during an away game against Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. The university said Ulrich was hospitalized for five days before his death.
"Since Tyler was hospitalized, he was continually surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family, teammates, and dear friends," university president Dr. Keith Newman said in a statement. He added, "Please keep Tyler's family, teammates, coaches, and friends in your continued prayers during this unimaginably difficult time."
The university posted a message on Facebook expressing sorrow and asking the community to pray for Ulrich's family and friends. The scheduled game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University was cancelled, and SWOSU Athletics released a statement extending thoughts and support to the Southern Nazarene football program.
Jason Vines, a former high school coach of Ulrich at Azle High School in Texas, described the player as an "unbelievable young man" known for his smile, demeanor, and work ethic.