UNLV Football’s Ben Christman Found Dead at 21
Las Vegas, Nevada – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) community is mourning the tragic loss of offensive lineman Ben Christman, who was found dead in his off-campus apartment on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. He was just 21 years old.
Christman, a transfer student from the University of Kentucky, had recently joined the UNLV football program after previously playing for Kentucky and Ohio State University. The school has expressed its deepest condolences and has stated that it does not have any additional information regarding the cause of his death.
Tributes and Heartfelt Condolences
UNLV head coach Dan Mullen issued a statement expressing the team’s profound grief:
"Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration, and friendship of all his teammates.
"Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed."
UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield echoed the sentiments of the team, expressing his devastation at the news:
"There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age, and my heart breaks for all who knew and loved him. On behalf of UNLV, our sincere condolences are with Ben’s family, friends, loved ones, and teammates during this very difficult time."
Christman’s former teammates and coaches from both Kentucky and Ohio State also shared their sorrow and memories of him. Kentucky offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said:
"Ben was a great teammate and a friend to many in our program. He was a hard worker and always put the team first. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone who loved him."
A Rising Star
Christman, a native of Akron, Ohio, was a highly touted recruit out of Revere High School. He was a four-star prospect and one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. He initially committed to Ohio State but later transferred to Kentucky.
At Kentucky, Christman sat out the 2023 season due to a knee injury and played on special teams in 2024. He then decided to transfer to UNLV for the 2025 season, where he was expected to play an integral role for the Rebels.
Support and Investigation
The Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada is currently investigating the cause of Christman’s death. UNLV has stated that it is providing support and counseling to students, faculty, staff, and athletes who are grieving this immeasurable loss.
The UNLV community is rallying around Christman’s family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. A memorial service is being planned to honor his life and legacy.
