College Football Player Ben Christman’s Cause of Death Revealed

The Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada has released the cause of death for Ben Christman, a 21-year-old college football offensive lineman who tragically passed away in his off-campus apartment back in February. The announcement confirms that Christman died from cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, and cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle.

Christman’s untimely death, occurring just one day before his birthday, sent shockwaves through the college football community and left many mourning the loss of a promising young athlete. Initial reports indicated that Christman had experienced chest pains during practice the day before his passing and underwent an electrocardiogram (EKG) at a team facility. However, the EKG apparently did not reveal the underlying conditions that ultimately led to his death.

The news of Christman’s passing was met with profound sadness and grief from coaches, teammates, and university officials. UNLV head coach Dan Mullen expressed the team’s devastation, stating that Christman had made an immediate impact on the program after transferring from Kentucky. Mullen emphasized Christman’s leadership qualities and the respect he quickly earned from his teammates, highlighting his selection to the Leadership Committee despite his short time with the team.

"Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing," Mullen said in a statement released shortly after Christman’s death. "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 school president Keith E. Whitfield also shared his condolences, acknowledging the profound pain and loss felt by the university community. He extended his heartfelt sympathy to Christman’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

"I am incredibly saddened to hear about Christman’s death," Whitfield said. "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 journey to UNLV was marked by dedication and perseverance. He initially joined Ohio State for two seasons before transferring to Kentucky. After sitting out the 2023 season due to a knee injury, he contributed to special teams in 2024. He was eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2025 season with UNLV, where he was expected to play a significant role on the offensive line.

Prior to his college career, Christman was a highly regarded football prospect at Revere High School in Akron, Ohio. He was a four-star recruit, indicating his exceptional talent and potential. His athletic abilities and commitment to the sport earned him recognition and opportunities at prestigious college football programs.

The revelation of Christman’s cause of death raises questions about the detection and prevention of cardiac conditions in young athletes. Cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy can be challenging to diagnose, and athletes may not experience noticeable symptoms until a critical event occurs. The fact that Christman underwent an EKG the day before his death underscores the complexity of these conditions and the limitations of current screening methods.

The sports world has witnessed several instances of young athletes suffering sudden cardiac death, prompting increased awareness and research into heart health and screening protocols. Organizations like the American Heart Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have developed guidelines and recommendations for pre-participation physicals and cardiac evaluations.

However, despite these efforts, challenges remain in identifying all athletes at risk. Experts emphasize the importance of comprehensive medical histories, thorough physical examinations, and appropriate diagnostic testing when indicated. They also stress the need for athletes, coaches, and medical personnel to be vigilant for warning signs and symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fainting.

The tragic death of Ben Christman serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete health and safety. It also highlights the need for continued research and advancements in the detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac conditions in young athletes. While the loss of Christman is deeply felt by his family, friends, teammates, and the entire college football community, his memory will undoubtedly inspire efforts to improve athlete well-being and prevent future tragedies. His positive impact on those around him and his dedication to the sport will not be forgotten. The legacy of Ben Christman will live on through the memories and the lessons learned from his untimely passing.