Jeremiah Kelly, an offensive lineman at the University of Cincinnati, passed away “unexpectedly” at his residence Tuesday morning, the school announced.
He was 18 years old.
The cause of death has not been revealed.
“The Bearcats Football Family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man.” Head coach Scott Sutterfield said. “Jeremiah had a short time with our team and he had a real impact on both the field and the locker room. My prayers are with Kelly’s family and those who have the joy of knowing Jeremiah.”
Kelly was an early enrollee at the school and joined the soccer team this spring.
Listed at 6 feet 3, 320 poundsKelly was a three-star prospect at Avon High School in Ohio.
According to 247Sports, Kelly chose Cincinnati over fellow in-state program Akron..
He was the top 100 recruit in Ohio and checked in at 78. He was ranked as the country’s number 44 security guard prospect in class by ESPN.
Kelly earned first team all-conference and all-district honors at Avon and was named Southwestern Conference Lineman of the Year for his senior season.
In his stellar fourth grade, he helped lead Avon to a 16-0 record.
“Today we are suffering from heartbreaking losses,” said John Cunningham, director of athletics in Cincinnati. “We all at UC send love and prayers to the Kelly family. We will do everything we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in difficult days and weeks.”
