University of Cincinnati football player Jeremiah Kelly has died, the school announced on Tuesday, April 22.
“The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of freshman football student-athlete Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning,” a statement read.
No cause of death was given. Kelly was 18 years old.
A native of Avon, Ohio, Kelly was an early enrollee who practiced with the football team this spring semester. Cincinnati completed its spring practice session last week.
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“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” Cincinnati football head coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement. “In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.”
Cincinnati Director of Athletics John Cunningham said the university had “suffered a heartbreaking loss today.”
Cunningham added, “All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead.”
Kelly announced his commitment to the University of Cincinnati in June 2024.
“First and foremost, I wouldn’t be here without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” Kelly shared via Instagram. “One of my favorite verses is, ‘As iron sharpens iron, a friend must sharpen a friend.’ This is evident in my life because of the fact that I wouldn’t be where I am without all of my friends, coaches, teammates, and the entire Avon community who have pushed me to be the athlete and person that I am today.”
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Kelly added, “Also, none of this would be possible without my family who has always been with me, especially my mother for taking care of me, forever and always. Finally, thank you to the Cincinnati coaching staff for giving me an opportunity to pursue my athletic career and join the Bearcat family.”
During his senior year at Avon, Kelly helped lead the football team to a 16-0 record and the school’s first state championship in history.
Kelly’s most recent Instagram post came after winning the state title in December 2024. “Thank you Avon football for the best 4 years of my life 💜💛#73out,” he wrote.
