Former Ohio State Lineman’s Tragic Cause of Death Determined as Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Teammate and Gentle Giant

The Ohio State football family and wider college sports community continue to mourn the tragic loss of former Buckeye offensive lineman Avery Henry, whose death shocked fans, former teammates, and coaches alike. The cause of his untimely passing, long awaited by many seeking clarity and closure, has now been officially determined, adding a layer of heart-wrenching finality to the already somber story of a life taken far too soon.

Henry, who had been a promising young lineman for the Buckeyes before stepping away from football, passed away at just 21 years old. His death sent waves of grief through Columbus and beyond. Friends remembered him for his gentle demeanor, relentless positivity, and the hope he inspired in others, even as he faced his own life-threatening challenges.

Now, with the cause of death confirmed as complications from osteosarcoma—a rare and aggressive bone cancer—the collective heart of Buckeye Nation breaks once more. Henry had publicly shared his cancer diagnosis in late 2022, shortly after arriving at Ohio State as part of the 2022 recruiting class. The announcement, made via social media, was both brave and heartbreaking. Even then, his words were filled with strength and faith, showing a maturity beyond his years.

“This isn’t what I expected, but I’m ready to fight,” he wrote in a now widely shared message. “I’m not afraid. God’s got me.”

That fight defined the final years of his life. Doctors discovered the cancer during routine testing after he had complained of persistent pain. Osteosarcoma typically affects the long bones in adolescents and young adults, and the diagnosis was a devastating blow not only to his football career but to his dreams and future. Yet Henry, known for his size on the field and warmth off it, met the diagnosis with the same tenacity he showed in the trenches at practice.

As his illness progressed, he left the football team to focus on his treatment. While he was no longer suited up in scarlet and gray, his presence remained deeply felt inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Coaches often spoke of Henry’s visits during his treatment, noting that he never stopped smiling, never stopped supporting his teammates, and never stopped believing in a better tomorrow.

“He inspired all of us,” said Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. “The courage he showed, the way he stayed positive through the hardest time of his life—it changed people. He left an impact that went far beyond football.”

Teammates echoed those sentiments. Many took to social media to share memories and messages of gratitude in the wake of his death. A few described how he would check in on them before big games, offering encouragement even as he underwent chemotherapy. Others remembered his contagious laughter and how he could brighten a locker room even on the darkest days.

A native of Chillicothe, Ohio, Henry had been a standout player at Chillicothe High School before committing to the Buckeyes. Rated as a three-star recruit, he chose Ohio State over several other Power Five programs, dreaming of representing his home state on college football’s biggest stage. His recruitment was marked not just by his potential, but by the joy he expressed in becoming a Buckeye. That enthusiasm never waned.

Henry’s family, who remained largely private throughout his treatment, released a statement following the determination of his cause of death. In it, they thanked the Ohio State community for the outpouring of love and support they had received over the past year.

“We are devastated by the loss of our Avery, but we are so proud of how he lived,” the family wrote. “He faced this illness with a faith and courage that humbled us all. He never stopped fighting. And he never stopped loving the people around him. Avery didn’t just want to survive cancer—he wanted to be a light for others going through it.”

They also encouraged others to learn more about osteosarcoma, which often goes undetected until advanced stages. Because of its rarity and aggressiveness, early diagnosis can be challenging, and outcomes vary widely depending on when treatment begins. In Henry’s case, despite aggressive therapy and the full backing of Ohio State’s medical team, the cancer had already progressed by the time it was caught.

His story, now sealed with heartbreaking finality, continues to inspire efforts to raise awareness and funding for osteosarcoma research. Several Ohio State players have worn wristbands and helmet stickers bearing his initials, and the team plans to honor Henry’s memory during the upcoming season with a moment of silence and a commemorative patch. It is also expected that Ohio State will hold a memorial service for him, possibly involving his high school community in Chillicothe as well.

Former players have also spoken about the need for continued emotional and mental health support for athletes who suffer life-altering diagnoses. The loss of Henry reminds everyone that college athletes, no matter how big or strong they appear, are not immune to the cruel twists of fate that life can bring.

“It’s easy to look at a football player and think he’s invincible,” said former Ohio State linebacker and current NFL player C.J. Hicks. “Avery showed us how wrong that is. But he also showed us what real strength looks like. That kid was a warrior. He taught us all something.”

Ohio State’s athletic department is currently working with Henry’s family to set up a scholarship fund in his name. The goal is to support future students, especially those affected by pediatric cancer, who want to attend college and carry on the fight Avery so bravely took up.

“We want his legacy to be about more than his battle,” the family added in their statement. “We want it to be about who he was—the kindness, the generosity, the joy he brought to others. That’s what he would have wanted.”

As the news of his cause of death settles in, so too does the realization that the football world has lost more than a player. It has lost a bright light, a young man who never got the chance to finish his story but still managed to leave behind one worth remembering. Avery Henry didn’t suit up for many games. He didn’t get to hear the roar of the crowd as he ran onto the field at Ohio Stadium on a crisp autumn afternoon. But his fight, his faith, and his heart ensured that his name would never be forgotten.

Tributes have poured in not just from Columbus but from across the country. Rival schools, media members, and former opponents all offered condolences, showing that Henry’s reach extended well beyond the Buckeye fanbase. In a sport often defined by rivalry and competition, his story is a reminder of the humanity that binds players and fans alike.

As Ohio State prepares for another season of football, it will do so with Avery Henry’s spirit firmly embedded in the program’s heart. From the “Block O” to the tunnel leading out onto the field, the presence of a young man who stood tall both literally and morally will remain.

Though he is gone, the memory of Avery Henry continues to inspire. His strength in the face of suffering, his refusal to give up, and the love he gave to others even as he battled for his own life—all of it stands as a legacy that cannot be measured in games played or stats recorded.

Avery Henry was more than a football player. He was a beacon. And now, even in absence, he continues to shine.