The cause of death for the former Ohio State football player has been established.

In February 2025, the college football community was shaken by the sudden passing of Ben Christman, a 21-year-old offensive lineman who had recently transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Christman’s death, attributed to cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy, underscores the critical importance of comprehensive health monitoring for athletes.

Ben Christman hailed from Akron, Ohio, where he showcased his athletic prowess at Revere High School. A standout in football, basketball, and track and field, he earned a four-star recruit rating and was recognized as one of Ohio’s top offensive linemen. His impressive high school career led him to commit to Ohio State University in 2020.(New York Post)

At Ohio State, Christman redshirted his freshman year in 2021 and appeared in one game during the 2022 season. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he sat out the 2023 season due to a knee injury but contributed to all 12 special teams games in 2024. In December 2024, Christman made another move, this time to UNLV, aiming to make a significant impact on the Rebels’ offensive line.(New York Post)

On February 10, 2025, during a routine football practice at UNLV, Christman experienced chest pains. He underwent an electrocardiogram (EKG) at the team’s facility, which reportedly showed normal results. Despite this, the following morning, Christman was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment by teammates who became concerned when he missed practice. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene. (SI)

The Clark County Coroner’s Office later confirmed that Christman died from cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy—conditions affecting the heart’s rhythm and muscle, respectively. These findings highlight the challenges in detecting certain heart conditions, even with standard medical evaluations like EKGs.(People.com)

UNLV head coach Dan Mullen expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Since the day Ben set foot on our campus, he made the Rebels a better program.” University President Keith E. Whitfield also extended condolences, emphasizing the impact of Christman’s loss on the university community. (Network Today)

Former teammates from Ohio State and Kentucky remembered Christman for his positive spirit and dedication. His obituary described him as someone known for his “joyful spirit, kind heart, and unshakeable commitment to those around him.” (Eleven Warriors)

Christman’s untimely death brings attention to the importance of comprehensive cardiac screening for athletes. While standard tests like EKGs are valuable, they may not detect all underlying heart conditions. This incident underscores the need for advanced diagnostic tools and protocols to ensure athlete safety.

Ben Christman’s passing is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities athletes face, even with rigorous training and medical oversight. As the football community mourns his loss, it also calls for enhanced measures to protect the health and well-being of student-athletes nationwide.