LAS VEGAS — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has announced the tragic passing of Ben Christman, a senior offensive lineman who recently moved from Kentucky. He was 21 years old at the time of his death, which was discovered in an off-campus apartment on Tuesday morning. The school stated that further details were not available, and authorities from the Clark County Coroner’s Office will determine the cause of death.

UNLV has communicated the news to Christman’s family and the football team, offering counseling services in the wake of this loss. “Our team is heartbroken by the news of Ben’s passing,” said UNLV head coach Dan Mullen in an official statement. “From the moment Ben arrived on our campus a month ago, he contributed positively to the Rebels program. He quickly earned a spot on our leadership committee due to the respect, admiration, and friendships he cultivated with his teammates. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew him. Ben made a significant impact on the world, and he will be sorely missed.”

Christman began his college football journey at Ohio State, where he was recognized as a top recruit in the 2021 class. He redshirted during his first year and saw limited action in 2022 before transferring to Kentucky. Although he did not participate in the 2023 season due to a knee injury, he had taken the field for all 12 games in the previous season as a member of the special teams.

After this period, he made the transition to join the team at UNLV. In a statement reflecting on the loss, UNLV President Keith Whitfield expressed, “There’s little that can truly articulate the pain of losing someone from our university family at such a young age. My heart truly aches for all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.”