Tyler Ulrich was hospitalized on October 10, following a helmet-to-helmet hit during Southern Nazarene University's game against Ouachita Baptist. According to the coroner's report, which has been obtained by ESPN, Ulrich, 21, died of a traumatic brain injury and a brain bleed.
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Following Ulrich's passing, Southern Nazarene University held a celebration of life ceremony.
"Our university president, football team and coaches participated in a Celebration of Life service for Tyler last Sunday afternoon in Azle, Texas. The report you mentioned has not been provided to us," A university spokesperson told ESPN. "Our campus community is faithfully remembering his family, teammates and coaches in our prayers."
Ulrich was a defensive back for Southern Nazarene. After his helmet-to-helmet hit against Ouachita Baptist, the game was delayed for approximately 45 minutes. Of course, at that moment, nobody knew the extent of his injury. Eventually, the two teams resumed play and finished the game. Ouachita Baptist were the eventual winners of that matchup, securing a 49-14 win.
Southern Nazarene opted against playing in their scheduled game a week later.
"This loss is deeply felt across our campus," the school wrote in a statement following Ulrich's death, via The New York Post. "Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time."
Tributes Pour in for Tyler Ulrich
Shortly after the news of his death became public, tributes for Tyler Ulrich began to pour in.
"Tyler was an outstanding football player and a tremendous man of faith," Crimson Storm head coach Dustin Hada told ESPN. "He was a great example of quiet strength and a leader in our locker room for sure."
Tyler's sister also wrote a heartwarming tribute post to her late brother on Facebook.
"I never thought I would have to find the words to say goodbye to my big brother. No amount of time could have ever prepared me for the heartbreak of losing you," Kaylee Parrish, Ulrich's sister,
wrote on Facebook. "I wish I could hear your laugh one more time, or have just one more conversation with you. There are so many things I wish I could say and so many more memories I wish we could make together."Currently, there are no details regarding Tyler's impending funeral. That information will likely remain private for close friends and family.
