How did De'van Bogard die? Ex-Ohio State championship player, 27, found dead at home
Beloved high school coach and former Ohio State University (OSU) player De'van Bogard, 27, was found dead in his apartment in Ohio on October 12, 2021. The former national championship player is perhaps best known for being part of Urban Meyer's first recruiting class at OSU, in 2012. The school has now set up a GoFundMe to support Bogard's son Jaden, and his mother.
The tragic death of Bogard has hit not just OSU or the school where he coached - Elyria High School - but the wider football community. In early September, Atlanta mourned the loss of promising player Jaumarcus McFarland, who was crushed by a free-falling elevator. In Utah, the Utes were left shocked after Aaron Lowe was killed in a shooting on September 26, less than a year after his teammate Ty Jordan died. The same month, New England Patriots' former player David Patten also breathed his last.
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While the full circumstances around the tragic death of Bogard have not yet been revealed, we can confirm that the cause of death appears to be from a fire that broke out in his apartment. Reportedly, he died at the scene in Elyria, Ohio at the age of 27.
How did De'van Bogard die?
According to reports, a fire broke out at the apartment Bogard was staying at on October 12 morning. Fire crews responded to calls as smoke and flames were seen from the windows at 283 Washington Avenue. By the time they arrived and were able to control the fire, Bogard's body was discovered at the door of his building. Fire Chief Joe Pronesti said the fire reportedly started at the couch in the living room, and for now, it is believed to be an accidental one. Foul play is not suspected at this time, although the chief did note the lack of working fire alarms inside the apartment.
The chief said Bogard was likely in the bedroom at the time the fire broke out and failed to escape in time. It's unclear what started the fire, and what the extent of the damage is. Elyria High School, where Bogard worked as a football coach announced his passing in a Facebook post, saying, "With profound sadness, we are attempting to process the tremendous loss of a very beloved football coach, De’van Bogard. We can’t say enough how loved, admired, and respected he was by the Elyria Schools community and most especially by the athletes, coaches, and families involved in Elyria Pioneer Football."
A member of the football team has also started a GoFundMe page for Bogard's family. "Coach Bogard has been an instrumental part of our program these last 2 years with a connection to these boys like no other. He has made such an impact on them in his short time with us," the page says. The team is hoping to raise $7,500 to "make sure Jaden is taken care of in his passing." The costs will also cover Bogard's funeral expenses.
Between 2012 and 2014, Bogard appeared in 22 games for the Buckeyes, but his career was cut tragically short by a series of knee and ACL injuries. In 2014, he even made it to the National Championship team, but sadly was forced to turn from playing to coaching. The school has made grief counselors available to students throughout the week.