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‘Kind of teammate you wanted around’: UNLV mourns footballer Ryan Keeler, 20, found dead in Las Vegas studio apartment

Keeler had just completed his redshirt freshman season for Rebels. He was transferred to UNLV from Rutgers University when he had played in 7 games

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The UNLV football program announced that defensive lineman Ryan Keeler had died unexpectedly at the age of 20 in Las Vegas on Monday, February 20. Keeler was reportedly was found dead in his studio apartment in Las Vegas on Monday. The cause of death has not been revealed. Keeler had just completed his redshirt freshman season for the Rebels. He was transferred to UNLV from Rutgers University in 2022 when he had played in seven games, recording eight tackles. 

“We are devastated to have lost a member of our Rebel family,” first-year UNLV football head coach Barry Odom said in a statement. “While I had the honor of knowing Ryan for only a couple of months, he already stood out to our coaching staff as an incredible person, student, and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Ryan’s family as we grieve along with them over this tremendous loss.” An Academic All-Mountain West honoree, Keeler had recorded his first collegiate quarterback sack vs. Air Force on October 15, 2022. Moreover, the Chicago native held a 3.80 grade-point average in pre-business.

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'We are devastated to hear of Ryan’s passing'

"The UNLV family is in mourning today over the sudden loss of one of our own," stated UNLV director of athletics Erick Harper. “Our hearts go out to all of Ryan’s family and friends along with his Rebel teammates.” In a tweet shared on Tuesday, February 21, UNLV president Keith E. Whitfield wrote: "Words are hard to come by this evening as we grieve the sudden and tragic loss of UNLV student-athlete Ryan Keeler. My sincere condolences are with Ryan's family, friends, loved ones, and teammates during this very difficult time."

Rutgers head football coach Greg Schiano paid tribute to the young player in a tweet saying, “We are devastated to hear of Ryan’s passing. From getting to know him as a recruit, to actually getting to coach him, what stood out most was his passion. His passion for his teammates and his passion for the game of football. We send our love and prayers to Ryan’s family and friends during this difficult time.” 

'Never complained, had a great attitude'

Linebacker Austin Ajiake spoke fondly of his former teammate Keeler to FOX5’s Paloma Villicana. “Ryan was definitely preparing for a big year this year, but more important than that he was honestly a great person. Never complained, had a great attitude, showed up and worked every day. He was the kind of teammate you wanted around you … I am broken for his family and offer them my condolences and prayers,” he said.

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