Las Vegas, NV – The football community is mourning the loss of Ben Christman, a promising young player who tragically passed away on Tuesday. Christman, an Akron native, recently became a member of the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) football team. He was only 21 years old and had just celebrated his birthday.
According to information from the Clark County Coroner’s Office, UNLV Athletics released a statement confirming that they were informed of Christman’s passing. “This is an extremely difficult day for our athletics department and the university community,” the statement said, adding that no cause of death had been shared at this time.
Ben Christman not only excelled on the football field but was also a standout athlete at Revere High School in Ohio, participating in football, basketball, and track & field. The school’s principal, Doug Faris, expressed the community’s sadness, calling him “a pillar of Revere High School” and noting his dedication both as a player and a student. “He was a fierce competitor in all that he did and a wonderful teammate,” Faris stated.
Christman was no stranger to elite college football, having previously played at Ohio State and Kentucky. After deciding to transfer to UNLV in December, he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, with UNLV football coach Dan Mullen saying, “Our team’s heart is broken.” Christman was known for his leadership qualities and was a key member of the team, even being chosen for their Leadership Committee shortly after he arrived.
Christman was highly regarded in high school, where he was a top-rated offensive lineman and received numerous scholarship offers from prestigious schools, including Alabama and Notre Dame. He was recognized as co-Offensive Player of the Year in the Suburban League American Conference during his senior year.
Throughout his college career, Christman remained a dedicated player and was well-respected by coaches and teammates alike. Following his time at Ohio State, he transferred to Kentucky where he played mainly on special teams. Kentucky’s football coach, Mark Stoops, shared his condolences, remembering Christman as “tough as nails on the field, but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul.”
The UNLV community is offering counseling services to those affected by this loss. UNLV Director of Athletics, Erick Harper, described Christman as someone who had already made a meaningful impact on the football program, stating “Ben recently joined us as a transfer student and had already made a meaningful impact on his teammates and coaches.”
Ben Christman’s untimely passing is a shattered blow to many who knew him. As the community reels from this sudden loss, heartfelt condolences fill the air for his family, friends, and all who were touched by his presence.
