Tragedy struck the University of Minnesota Duluth football community on Tuesday, as 22-year-old defensive end Reed Ryan passed away after collapsing during a workout earlier this month. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound player had been training in a weight room on November 21st when he went into cardiac arrest.
Despite the efforts of school officials who began life-saving measures and regained Ryan’s pulse, he ultimately passed away seven days later. The cause of his cardiac arrest was revealed to be an undetected genetic heart condition, something that had gone unnoticed up until this point.
According to an obituary written by Ryan’s family, the football player was doing what he loved when the tragedy occurred. It is a devastating loss for the team, as well as for his family and friends who describe him as having “a contagious smile” and someone who lived his life to the fullest.
Reed Ryan was a star player at Waunakee High School in Wisconsin before making the difficult decision to leave behind his home state and accept a full-ride scholarship at North Dakota State University. He played for the Bison for four seasons before transferring to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he spent his final year of eligibility.
NEW – Minnesota-Duluth Football Player Reed Ryan Dies at 22 of Cardiac Arrest Following a Workout
“His coach believes his heart suddenly stopped in the weight room…Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for young athletes.” pic.twitter.com/otNL0piCco
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 30, 2023
Despite only suiting up for the Bulldogs for one season, Ryan made a positive impact on the team and was loved by his coaches and fellow players. In that one season, he recorded eight tackles and one sack, showing his dedication and talent on the field.
UMD head football coach Curt Wiese expressed his devastation at the news, saying, “Our staff and players are devastated about Reed’s passing. Reed aspired to be better every day at whatever task was at hand. He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him.”
The impact of Ryan’s passing was felt beyond just the University of Minnesota Duluth football program, as his former team at NDSU also mourned the loss of their former teammate. In a statement, NDSU football described Ryan as “the ultimate teammate, a constant source of joy, a genuine selfless spirit, and a beloved friend.”
As the news of Reed Ryan’s passing spreads, many are left to mourn the loss of a young man whose life was tragically cut short. His legacy will continue to live on through the memories of those who knew him and the impact he made on and off the football field. He will be greatly missed by the entire football community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
