Ben Christman, a 21-year-old senior offensive lineman for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) football team, was found deceased in his off-campus apartment on February 11, 2025. The Clark County Coroner’s Office has determined that Christman died in his sleep from natural causes.
Christman, originally from Akron, Ohio, began his collegiate football career at Ohio State University. As a highly ranked prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, he redshirted his first year and made a single appearance in the 2022 season. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to the University of Kentucky in 2023. Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined him for that season. Demonstrating resilience, Christman returned to participate in all 12 games on special teams during the 2024 season. In December 2024, he transferred to UNLV, aiming to make a significant impact on the Rebels’ offensive line.
Despite his brief tenure at UNLV, Christman quickly earned the respect and admiration of his teammates and coaches. Head coach Dan Mullen noted, “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.”
UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield also expressed his condolences, stating, “There is little that can be said to … .”
Christman’s former coach at Kentucky, Eric Wolford, remembered him fondly: “I remember Ben always having a smile on his face. Always being prepared. Being there early. A guy you could always count on for handling his business.”
In the wake of this tragedy, UNLV has informed Christman’s family and is offering counseling services to students and staff affected by his passing. The university community mourns the loss of a promising athlete whose positive spirit and dedication left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Funeral services are scheduled to be held in Ohio, allowing family, friends, and former teammates to pay their respects and celebrate the life of Ben Christman.
