UNLV football defensive end Ryan Keeler passes away

Steve Marcus

The UNLV football helmet is on display during Mountain West Media Day at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday, July 20, 2022.

Factor: Mike Grimala (contact)

Monday, February 20, 2023 | 18:47

Courtesy of UNLV Athletics.

UNLV football player Ryan Keeler.

UNLV football player Ryan Keeler has died, the school announced Monday.

A native of Chicago, Keeler transferred to UNLV from Rutgers last season. He played in seven games for the Scarlet and Gray during the 2022 campaign, making 8 total tackles, including one for a loss.

Inside something Press releaseNew UNLV head coach Barry Odom said Keeler was the type of person to make a quick impact.

“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” Odom said. “Although I only had the honor of knowing Ryan for a few months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ryan’s family as we mourn this tremendous loss.”

Keeler’s cause of death has not been released. He was 20 years old.

On February 12, Keeler was named one of the football program’s “Rebels of the Week” for his offseason work.

Former teammates shared their condolences on social media.

Adam Plant, who was part of the defensive line group with Keeler, posted pictures of Keeler on Twitter along with the message “Long live Ryan Keeler gone too soon.”

Aidan Robbins, coach of last year’s team, who has since transferred to BYU, shared similar sentiments on his Twitter: “Gone too soon your name lives on 4L lil bro.”

Keeler majored in business administration at UNLV and maintained a 3.80 GPA, earning him a spot on the Academic All-Mountain West team in the fall of 2022.

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