R.I.P: NOTE THIS: UNLV senior OL Ben Christman issued strong statement before his passed away.…read more

Ben Christman, a 21-year-old senior offensive lineman at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), tragically passed away on February 11, 2025. His untimely death has left the UNLV community in mourning. citeturn0search0

Before his passing, Christman had been a recent addition to the UNLV football program, transferring from the University of Kentucky. His journey through collegiate football was marked by resilience and dedication. At Kentucky, he appeared in all 12 games during the previous season, primarily contributing on special teams. Prior to that, he began his college career at Ohio State, where he redshirted in 2021 and played in one game in 2022. citeturn0search1

Christman’s impact on his teammates and coaches was profound. UNLV head football coach Dan Mullen expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “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.” He further noted that Christman had earned immediate respect and admiration from his teammates, leading to his selection for the Leadership Committee. citeturn0search0

UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield also conveyed heartfelt condolences, stating, “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.” citeturn0search0

In the wake of this tragedy, the UNLV community has come together to honor Christman’s memory. Counseling services have been made available to students and staff to support them during this difficult time. citeturn0search0

Ben Christman’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. His dedication to his sport, his teammates, and his academic pursuits will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.