College football player Reed Ryan, 22, tragically dies after suffering a cardiac arrest following a team workout… as family say defensive end passed away ‘doing what he loved’
- Reed collapsed after a team workout in a weight room on Nov. 21
- After school officials recovered his pulse, he sadly passed away seven days later
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Duluth University of Minnesota football player Reed Ryan has died at the age of 22 after collapsing during a practice, his family announced.
Reed — a 6-foot-1, 241-pound defensive end — was training in a weight room on Nov. 21 when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest. After school officials recovered his pulse and he was rushed to the ICU, he tragically died a week later.
In an obituary written by his family members, the UMD star reportedly died “doing what he loved.”
“This was the result of an undetected genetic heart condition and a large, loving heart,” the report continued. “The athletic training team was great in their efforts to immediately begin CPR and regain his pulse.
“The staff at the St. Mary’s-Duluth ICU hospital was wonderful in doing everything possible for him.”
University of Minnesota Duluth football player Reed Ryan has tragically passed away at the age of 22
Reed — a 6-foot-1, 241-pound defensive end — was working out in a weight room on Nov. 21 when he suddenly went into cardiac arrest
Reed graduated from Waunakee High School in 2019 after becoming State of Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year before accepting a full ride to North Dakota State University.
After four seasons at North Dakota, he transferred to the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he recorded eight total tackles and one sack in his lone season with the Bulldogs.
The family’s obituary added: “Reed had an infectious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years. Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and took pride in being surrounded by friends, family, mentors and being part of a team.”
UMD also paid tribute to Reed, describing him as someone who had “genuine care for those around him.”
“Our staff and players are devastated by Reed’s passing,” said head football coach Curt Wiese. “Reed strived to get better every day at whatever task he was given.
“He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile and genuine care for those around him.
After school officials recovered his pulse, the former North Dakota star died seven days later
“We were fortunate to have Reed on our team, and he has made our program, our department and our community a better place in a short time.
“Reed will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever. He was the epitome of a UMD Bulldog, and of what we can all aspire to. To his family: thank you for letting us be a part of his inspiring young life. Reed was a Bulldog through and through.”
Reed had agreed to donate several organs before his death and will contribute to the NCAA’s investigation to help prevent similar fatalities from happening to other athletes.