Rosario Monachino
A college football player has tragically died aged 22, a week after collapsing during a workout.
Reed Ryan was a defensive lineman for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), having previously played for Waunakee High School – where he was named the State of Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year.
Along with his successful football career, he had also been a high school wrestler and had more than 100 wins to his name.
Tragically, Ryan collapsed during a team workout on November 21.
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According to his obituary, the athlete went into cardiac arrest following a football team workout in the weight room.
This was reportedly a result of ‘an undetected genetic heart condition’.
Following a quick response from UMD athletic training staff, who used CPR to regain Ryan’s pulse, he was transferred to the ICU at St Mary’s Duluth – who did everything they could before he sadly passed away on November 28.
The football player’s obituary reads: “Reed had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years.
“Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and prided himself on being surrounded by friends, family, mentors, and being part of a team.
“He created his own online vintage store-Thrifted Tiger, loved to travel, collecting shoes, drawing, going to concerts, and cooking.”
In a statement uploaded to the team’s Instagram page, UMD head football coach Curt Wiese described him as the ‘epitome of a UMD Bulldog’.
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It reads: “Reed aspired 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 care for the people around him.
“We were fortunate to have Reed on our team, and he 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.
“He was the epitome of a UMD Bulldog, and what we can all aspire to be. To his family, thank you for allowing us to be part of his inspiring young life. Reed was a Bulldog through and through.”
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Before enrolling in UMD Ryan accepted a full scholarship to play football at North Dakota State University for four seasons.
He transferred to UMD in 2023 – where he had seven tackles and assisted another eight tackles in nine games this season.
The football player had reportedly agreed to donate several organs before his death, as per MailOnline.
This will contribute towards the NCAA’s research that will help prevent similar fatalities from happening to other athletes.
Reed is survived by his parents, Erin and Stephanie, his sister Robyn and his brother Chase.
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