Ben Christman, a talented offensive lineman, tragically passed away on February 11, 2025, at the age of 21. Christman was a senior football player at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he was preparing for the upcoming season. His untimely death was discovered in his off-campus apartment, and the cause is still under investigation by the Clark County Coroner’s Office. His passing has left the UNLV community in shock and mourning.
Born and raised in Ohio, Christman was a standout athlete from a young age. He was a highly recruited player, starting his college career at Ohio State University. As a four-star recruit, he had high expectations placed upon him. However, after spending two seasons with the Buckeyes, Christman made the decision to transfer to the University of Kentucky, where he would continue his football career. During his time at Kentucky, Christman’s journey was marked by both resilience and perseverance. He suffered a significant knee injury that caused him to miss an entire season, but his determination led him back to the field in 2024. During that season, he made a noteworthy contribution to the team, playing 44 snaps on special teams and 23 additional snaps at right guard on the offensive line.
After a successful year at Kentucky, Christman entered the transfer portal once again in December 2024, seeking new opportunities. He eventually committed to UNLV, where he joined the Rebels’ football program under head coach Dan Mullen. Despite being with the team for only a short time, Christman quickly made a positive impression on his teammates and coaches. Coach Mullen expressed his heartbreak over Christman’s death, saying, “Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing. Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program.” His presence in the locker room and on the field had a lasting impact on the UNLV football community.
UNLV’s athletic department, as well as the broader university community, have been deeply affected by the loss of such a young and promising individual. The university’s president, Keith E. Whitfield, shared his condolences, saying, “I was incredibly saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Ben Christman. There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age.” His passing has left a void, but the memories of his character and hard work will continue to resonate with those who knew him.
As the UNLV community grapples with this tragic loss, the school has offered counseling services to help students, faculty, and athletes cope with the grief. Christman’s legacy will not be defined by the games he played, but by the impact he had on those around him. His resilience, leadership, and positive attitude were central to his character, and these qualities will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ben Christman’s death has brought an outpouring of support and love from friends, teammates, and coaches, as they mourn the loss of someone who was poised for a bright future in football. His memory will live on as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
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