UNLV announced Wednesday that football player Ben Christman died at age 21.
Christman was found dead in his apartment Tuesday afternoon. The cause of death will be determined by the Clark County (Nevada) Coroner’s Office.
The offensive lineman had transferred to UNLV in January after playing the 2024 season at Kentucky, where he appeared in 12 games. He began his college career at Ohio State in 2021 as a four-star recruit, playing in two games over two seasons before transferring to Kentucky.
“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” UNLV head coach Dan Mullen said. “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.”
Former Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops remembered Christman’s impact with the Wildcats program.
“He was a player who came in every day and went to work,” Stoops said. “He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Christman had joined UNLV following Mullen’s recent hiring as head coach.
We are all at a loss right now hearing about the passing of Ben Christman. He was a player who came in every day and went to work. He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family…
— Mark Stoops (@UKCoachStoops) February 12, 2025
