Poppy Bilderbeck
University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs football player Reed Ryan has passed away at the age of 22 years old.
On November 21, 2023, Ryan was 'following a football team workout in the weight room' when he went into cardiac arrest, his family says.
The 22-year-old was rushed to the ICU at St Mary's-Duluth, but sadly passed away a week later on November 28.
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Ryan's family announced the news in his obituary, noting the football player fell ill 'doing what he loved'.
The cardiac arrest he suffered was a result of 'an undetected genetic heart condition and a large, loving heart', his family says.
The obituary continues: "The athletic training team was tremendous in their efforts to immediately initiate CPR and regain his pulse. The ICU hospital staff at St. Mary's-Duluth were amazing in doing everything possible for him.
"We want to especially thank Jessa, Hannah, Dawn, Sabrina, and Abbi, his teammates, the UMD coaching staff and administration - especially Forrest Karr and Coach Weise."
UMD Athletics took to X to pay tribute to the footballer, sharing a photograph of him in action as well as a headshot, alongside a link to an official statement from UMD head football coach Curt Wiese.
Coach 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.
"We were fortunate to have Reed on our team, and he made our program, our department, and our community a better place in a short period of time. 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.
"To his family, thank you for allowing us to be part of his inspiring young life. Reed was a Bulldog through and through."
Reed's family concluded: "Reed had a contagious smile and lived life to the fullest in his short years. Reed loved people, he could talk to anyone and prided himself on being surrounded by friends, family, mentors, and being part of a team. He created his own online vintage store-Thrifted Tiger, loved to travel, collecting shoes, drawing, going to concerts, and cooking.
"[...] Even in death, Reed was thinking of how he could help others and donated several organs, additionally Reed will be an Important part of a NCAA research study to help prevent this from happening to other athletes."
A funeral service for the football player is being held on December 2, 2023 in Middleton.
Reed's family have asked for people to send 'memorials' to Stephanie Ryan for a scholarship in Reed's honor, and to also 'be kind'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.