University of Minnesota Duluth football player Reed Ryan died Tuesday, more than a week after collapsing during a team practice, the university’s athletics department said Wednesday.
The 22-year-old collapsed after suffering a cardiac arrest on November 21. Ryan’s collapse was the result of an undetected genetic heart condition, according to his obituary.
The athletic training team administered CPR and Ryan regained a pulse. He was then taken to the medical center of St. Mary’s-Duluth, where intensive care staff treated him before his death.
Ryan completed a double major in Marketing and Professional Sales at the Labovitz University School of Business and Economics.
Connecticut high school football player dies after medical emergency at practice: ‘Kindest boy’
“Reed had an infectious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years. Reed loved people, could talk to anyone and took pride in being surrounded by friends, family, mentors and being part of a team,” Ryan’s obituary reads.
He is survived by his parents, sister, brother, two nephews, grandmother, great-aunt and two uncles.
“Our staff and players are devastated by Reed’s passing,” UMD head football coach Curt Wiese said in a statement. “Reed strove 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 concern for those around him.”
“We have been fortunate to have Reed on our team and he has made our program, our department and our community a better place in a short period of time. Reed will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever,” Wiese continued. “He was the epitome of a UMD Bulldog and what we can all aspire to be.”
UMD Director of Athletics Forrest Karr added, “Reed had a positive impact on so many and we are deeply saddened by his passing. Reed was a kind, caring and considerate young man who enjoyed bringing people together.”
University of New Mexico Football Player Jaden Hullaby Dies at 21: ‘Rest King’
Prior to enrolling at UMD, the Wisconsin native graduated from Waunakee High School in 2019 and was the Wisconsin State Defensive Player of the Year. During his high school football career, he totaled 147 tackles, including 63 tackles for loss and 34 sacks. Ryan also wrestled for his high school team and racked up more than 100 wins.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Following his high school career, he accepted a full scholarship to play football at North Dakota State University for four seasons. Transferred to UMD in 2023. This season, the linebacker had seven tackles and assisted on eight more in nine games.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education