Southern Nazarene Safety Tyler Ulrich Dies After Game Injury

Tragic Loss for Southern Nazarene

Southern Nazarene University announced on Thursday that sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich has died. The 21 year old defensive back passed away five days after suffering what the school described as a traumatic injury during a college football game.

The private Division II school is located in Bethany, Oklahoma. School officials did not reveal the specific cause of death or any additional details regarding Ulrich's injury.

Tributes and Medical Response

Ulrich sustained the injury during a game against Ouachita Baptist last Saturday. The game was halted for nearly an hour while medical personnel attended to him on the field before he was transported to a hospital. Southern Nazarene went on to lose the contest 49-14.

Following the news, SNU Athletics shared a social media message stating that the loss is deeply felt across the campus. The athletic department asked the community to join in lifting up his family, friends, and teammates in prayer.

Head coach Dustin Hada also posted a message online to honor the safety. Coach Hada described Ulrich as a man of God, an ultimate example of quiet strength, loyal, a worker, and joyous.

Program Updates and Season Impact

Ulrich was originally from Azle, Texas, and was playing in his third season at Southern Nazarene. He was an integral part of the team defense, starting 16 out of 20 games during his college career.

This season, he had started six games and ranked third on the roster with 36 total tackles.

Southern Nazarene currently holds a 1-5 record on the season. In the wake of Ulrich's passing, the university announced it has canceled its next scheduled game against Southwestern Oklahoma State.