“RIP”: College Football Coach’s Heartfelt Words Mourns the Untimely Loss of 22-Year-Old DE Reed Ryan

In a shocking blow to the University of Minnesota Duluth, senior defensive end Reed Ryan took his last breath on Tuesday. The 22-year-old was not just a star player but he was also a promising student with a bright future. He was enrolled in the UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics as a double major. His tragic passing has left a void in the hearts of loved ones. 

A Waunakee native, Reed won the Tim Krumrie Award in 2018 for his outstanding performance as a high school senior defensive lineman. His impact in football was apparent when he received the title of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Large Schools Defensive Player of the Year in 2018. The news of his death affected so many people including North Dakota defensive line coach Nick Goeser who shared an emotional post online. 

Nick Goeser expresses sadness over Reed Ryan’s premature passing

Nick Goeser took to Twitter to post a heartbreaking update on Reed Ryan’s passing.  As part of the NDSU together for Ryan’s four seasons in North Dakota, he recounted emotionally how the late DE had an “unforgettable smile and a love for life.” The DL coach extended his sympathy to Ryan’s family and friends and wrote, “RIP Reed Ryan.”

The passing of Reed Ryan is unexpected. According to his family’s obituary, on November 21, he was “doing what he loved” training in the weight room when he suddenly had a cardiac arrest, a complication rising from his undetected genetic heart condition. And just eight days later after being admitted at Essentia Health in Duluth, he was declared dead. UMD head coach Curt Wiese said, “Our staff and players are devastated about Reed’s passing. Reed aspired to be better every day at whatever task was at hand. He helped bring out the best in others with his positive attitude, infectious smile, and genuine care for the people around him.” 

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In his high school career, Reed Ryan accounted for 147 tackles and 34 sacks. Last season, Ryan finished with eight tackles in nine games. His presence in the defensive unit with the Bulldogs facilitated the program to participate in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference with an average of 293.9 yards per game. Curt Wiese further stated, “Reed will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on forever. He was the epitome of a UMD Bulldog, and what we can all aspire to be… Reed was a Bulldog through and through.“

Reed Ryan is one of the cases where good people are gone too soon. He will forever remain in the hearts of all those close to him. A memorial wake will take place at Blackhawk Church in Middleton on December 1 from 3:00-7:00 PM. The memorial will be followed by his funeral on December 2.

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