“R.I.P.”: Coach Prime & Co. Join Buffs Nation to Mourn the Death of 23 Yo Former Colorado Player

Keith Miller III, former Buffs WR, passed away on April 11. While he saw no action as the #88 Buffs jersey in his freshman years before he transferred to Texas A&M, Deion Sanders and Co. take special time out to pen a heartfelt note at the loss of their former player. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Buff, Keith Miller. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and teammates,” the CU Buffs Instagram page wrote, grieving the loss of their former player.

Keith III passed away at the age of 23, the reason for which is still unknown. Per his university, Miller passed away in his apartment in the evening. The Texas A&M-Commerce head coach, Clint Dolezel, also commented on the loss of their student-athlete. “Keith was a beloved father, son, teammate, and student-athlete. We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved him at this very difficult time,” Dolezel said.

After completing his two freshman years at Colorado, Miller transferred to the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions team and was a part of the varsity program for two years, from 2022 to 2024. The Texas Native, a 6-foot-3, 219-pound WR, was an invaluable asset to Coach Dolezel’s roster, since he scrimmaged for 1,856 yards and 22 touchdowns over a four-year career, totaling his career receptions to 106. Managing to woo the head coaches with his impressive receiving skills, Miller III assumed the cap of a captain of the Lions’ program in 2023.

Even though he did not see much field action in Colorado, the tales of his talent were long sung before he entered the CU campus. Hailing from The Colony HS, Miller III was a three-star prospect coming to Colorado. Under Coach Rudy Rangel, Miller flourished as the top 150 WR in the Nation and a top-121 player out of Texas.

As both Texas A&M-Commerce and Colorado mourn his loss, Miller’s fiance, Caila Jae took to Instagram to share her deepest sorrows. “I wanted to spend my whole life with you,” was the first thing Miller’s girlfriend could muster the strength to say. The couple exchanged rings in February 2024. The two also parented a beautiful daughter. “I will never love anyone the way I loved you. See you soon,” Jae wrote on Instagram. Jae’s words moved the fans and swirled a wave of sympathy in them as they flooded the comment section with their condolences.

Fans come together to mourn Miller

“Rest in peace,” a fan wrote, expressing their deepest condolences towards the deceased. A CU alum joined forces with fans to mourn Miller’s loss, commenting, “Will you miss your smile and laughter, Keith.” 

Other fans agreed in unison, saying, “So sorry for his family. He was so engaging as a buff. A very likable child and too young to go.” It was another question that plagued the minds of the Buffs fans, the reason for his death. “How? He was so young and healthy,” another fan asked since the reason for his death was not revealed yet.

While further updates are expected to come regarding that, fans stand by the Buffs family and Miller’s family through the tough times with statements like, “My condolences to his family and the Buffalo Nation.” Rest in peace, Keith Miller.