Rising football player Jeremiah Kelly died early Tuesday morning at the age of 18, the University of Cincinnati’s athletic department announced.
The offensive lineman passed away unexpectedly at his residence. No cause of death was given.
Kelly was an incoming freshman with the Bearcats – the alma mater of Travis and Jason Kelce – and had just concluded his first spring training with the team.
‘The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,’ Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement.
‘In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.’
Kelly enrolled at the University of Cincinnati in January after helping his Ohio high school, the Avon High School Eagles, to the state championship and a 16-0 record.
Cincinnati football player Jeremiah Kelly died Tuesday morning at the age of 18
Kelly (R) was an incoming freshman after winning a state championship with his high school
The Ohio native earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors and was named the SWC Lineman of the Year as a senior.
He arrived at Cincinnati as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2025, after committing to the Bearcats last June, according to 247sports.
As an early enrollee, the teenager completed spring practice, which the Bearcats wrapped up last week.
‘We’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss today,’ Cincinnati athletic director John Cunningham said in a statement.
‘All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead.’