A promising college football career came to a tragic end when UNLV offensive lineman Ben Christman was found unresponsive in his Las Vegas apartment.

According to the Daily Mail, the 21-year-old athlete had complained of chest pains during practice on February 10, just one day before his death, leading to an EKG examination by the coaching staff.

Police documents reveal that after the EKG test was reviewed by a cardio doctor who found no alarming issues, Christman returned home around 3 p.m. and went directly to his room after briefly acknowledging his roommate.

Medical response and final moments

A teammate discovered Christman lying on his back with purple fingers and foam around his mouth the following morning. Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving a 911 call, with teammates attempting CPR when police arrived.

The responding officer noted that based on the coloration of Christman's right arm, he had been deceased for several hours. Concern had initially risen when Christman failed to appear for morning practice, prompting teammates to check on his welfare.

His roommate later informed law enforcement that he hadn't seen Christman since his return from practice the previous day, when he had retreated to his room.

Career path and team impact

Christman's journey through college football included notable stops at multiple prestigious programs. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 325 pounds, he began his collegiate career at Ohio State as a four-star recruit.

After two seasons with the Buckeyes, he transferred to Kentucky for another two-year stint. In January 2025, Christman made his final transfer to UNLV, where he was preparing for his last year of college eligibility.

Despite his brief time with the Rebels, Christman had already made a significant impression on the program. New UNLV head coach Dan Mullen offered these words:

Our team's heart is broken to hear of Ben's passing. 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.

Community response and memorial

The loss has deeply affected the UNLV football community and Christman's former teams. His sudden passing, initially attributed to natural causes in his obituary, has sparked conversations about athlete health monitoring and safety protocols.

The tragic event occurred just as Christman was settling into his new role with the Rebels. His teammates and coaches quickly recognized his leadership qualities, making him a member of the team's Leadership Committee shortly after his arrival.

UNLV's athletic department has been working closely with Christman's family to provide support during this difficult time, while also helping the team process the loss of their teammate.

Final remembrance and legacy

Ben Christman's passing marks a somber moment in college football, particularly affecting the UNLV program, where he had recently transferred to complete his collegiate career. The 21-year-old offensive lineman died on February 11 following reported chest pains during his final practice session.

The circumstances surrounding his death, from the EKG examination to his discovery by teammates, have left a lasting impact on the UNLV football community and raised important questions about athlete health monitoring.

Christman's legacy as a respected teammate and leader continues to resonate throughout the programs he touched during his college football journey.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

This event underlines critical aspects of health management, especially for athletes:

1. Always seek immediate medical attention if symptoms unusual for you occur during physical exertion.
2. Monitor the effectiveness and follow-up of initial health screenings and assessments.
3. Encourage open and ongoing discussions about health issues within sports teams to foster an environment where potential warning signs are taken seriously.

Why This Story Matters

The story of Ben Christman is pivotal not only because it touches the community of sports enthusiasts and athletes but also highlights the unpredictable nature of health-related incidents among young, ostensibly healthy individuals. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability that exists irrespective of age or physical prowess and emphasizes the importance of attentive medical care and preparedness.

The tragic death of Ben Christman has left many unanswered questions about the health and safety of young athletes engaged in high-intensity sports. His victories on the field and leadership qualities will be remembered, but so will the lessons learned from the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.