Cody Ince, a former offensive lineman for the Iowa Hawkeyes, passed away unexpectedly at his home near Grantsburg, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 16, 2023. He was 23 years old. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates and coaches, who remembered him as a hard-working, kind-hearted and talented young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
Football Career
Cody Ince was born on December 18, 1999, in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to Tammy and Marty Ince. He attended Unity High School in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He was a four-year starter and a two-time all-state selection in football, playing both offensive and defensive line. He helped his team win three conference championships and reach the state semifinals twice.
Ince was recruited by several Division I programs, but he chose to play for the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference. He joined the team in 2018 as a redshirt freshman and earned his first career start in 2019 against Purdue. He played in 11 games that season, starting six of them at left guard. He was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team for his performance in the classroom.
In 2020, Ince started all eight games for the Hawkeyes at right guard. He was part of an offensive line that paved the way for Iowa to rank second in the Big Ten in rushing offense and third in scoring offense. He was also honored as an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and the media.
In 2021, Ince decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal after graduating from Iowa with a degree in communication studies. He had one year of eligibility remaining and was looking for a new opportunity to play football. However, he did not announce his destination before his untimely death.
Cody Ince’s Wife, Girlfriend & Personal Life
Cody Ince was engaged to Olivia Tucker, whom he met at Iowa. They were planning to get married soon and start a family together. Ince was also very close to his parents, his sister Carly, his grandmothers Lola Royer and Betty Ince, and his extended family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and spending time with his loved ones.
Ince was also passionate about giving back to his community and supporting causes that mattered to him. He donated memorials to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in his name and participated in various charity events and fundraisers. He was described by his family as “a gentle giant with a heart of gold”.
Cause of Death
The cause of Cody Ince’s death has not been officially confirmed or released by the authorities or his family. His obituary stated that he passed away unexpectedly at his home near Grantsburg, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 16, 2023. However, some reports have speculated that he may have suffered from a medical condition or an accident that led to his demise.
According to Bleacher Report, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz issued a statement on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 after learning about Ince’s death. He said:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cody Ince. Cody was a hard-working young man who did everything asked of him during his time as a Hawkeye. He had great potential on the field but more importantly he was an outstanding teammate who made a positive impact on everyone around him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cody’s family, friends and former teammates during this difficult time.”
Cody Ince was a former Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman who died unexpectedly at his home near Grantsburg, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 16, 2023. He was 23 years old. He is survived by his fiancée Olivia Tucker, his parents Tammy and Marty Ince, his sister Carly Ince, his grandmothers Lola Royer and Betty Ince, and other relatives and friends.
He will be remembered as a talented football player who earned honors on the field and in the classroom, as well as a generous and caring person who touched many lives with his kindness and compassion.
His family will greet visitors on Saturday, July 22, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Celebration of Life at 4:00 PM officiated by Rev. Angie Kutney and followed by a continued celebration at the BrowTine Event Center in Amery, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, please donate memorials to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Cody’s name.