In a heart-wrenching incident, the sports world mourns the untimely loss of Ryan Reed, a promising football player from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, who passed away at the tender age of 22. The news of his unexpected demise has left a void in the hearts of his teammates, coaches, and the entire community.
Ryan’s journey was abruptly cut short when he collapsed during a routine workout session in November, a shocking turn of events that no one could have foreseen. His passing on that fateful Tuesday sent shockwaves through the University and the sports world, reminding us all of the fragility of life.
Before the tragedy struck, Ryan was a dedicated student at the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Labovitz School of Business and Economics. He was diligently working towards a double major in Marketing and Professional Sales, a testament to his determination and commitment to his academic pursuits. Ryan was more than just a football player; he was an exceptional student who strived for excellence both on and off the field.
Coach Curt Wiese, head coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, expressed the deep sorrow felt by the entire team, stating, “Our staff and players are devastated by Reed’s passing. Reed was a source of inspiration for everyone around him, always pushing himself and others to be better. His infectious smile, positive attitude, and genuine care for those he interacted with made him a treasured member of our team.”
Continuing, Coach Wiese added, “Having Reed as a part of our team made our program, our department, and our community better. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will endure. He embodied the spirit of a UMD Bulldog, setting an example for us all. To his family, we extend our deepest gratitude for allowing us to be part of his remarkable journey. Reed was a true Bulldog through and through.”
Similarly, Forrest Karr, the university’s director of athletics, reflected on Ryan’s impact, saying, “Reed touched the lives of many with his kindness, care, and thoughtfulness. He was a young man who had a gift for bringing people together.”
Continuing, Karr added, “Coming from his hometown of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Reed was cherished by those who knew him in Waunakee, Fargo, Duluth, and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Reed’s family and friends during this time of profound sadness. We are grateful for the outpouring of support for Reed’s teammates and our staff.”
Ryan’s roots traced back to Waunakee, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Waunakee High School in 2019. His exceptional talent on the football field earned him the prestigious Tim Krumie Award, bestowed upon the most outstanding high school senior defensive lineman in the state in 2018. Ryan’s accolades didn’t stop there; in 2018, he was also honored as the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) Large Schools Defensive Player of the Year.
His remarkable journey continued when he joined the University of Minnesota-Duluth. There, he was part of two NCAA Division I AA FCS National Championships in 2019 and 2021, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his sport. His commitment to academic excellence was equally impressive, as he received the Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award three times in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Additionally, he was recognized as a four-time member of the Missouri Valley Football Conference Honor Roll from 2019 to 2022.
In the most recent season, before his tragic passing, Ryan’s on-field performance was outstanding. He achieved seven tackles and assisted on eight others across nine games. His standout moment included a crucial sack against Northern State and an impressive three tackles in a single game when facing Minot State on October 21.
Ryan’s obituary shed light on the reason behind his passing, stating, “On November 21st, Reed went into cardiac arrest following a football team workout in the weight room, doing what he loved. This tragic event was a result of an undetected genetic heart condition, a reminder of the unpredictability of life. The athletic training team’s immediate initiation of CPR and the tireless efforts of the ICU hospital staff at St. Mary’s-Duluth deserve our heartfelt gratitude. We would especially like to thank Jessa, Hannah, Dawn, Sabrina, and Abbi, his teammates, the UMD coaching staff, and administration, with a special mention to Forrest Karr and Coach Wiese.”
Ryan Reed may no longer be with us, but his indomitable spirit and love for the game will forever echo in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of UMD Bulldogs, reminding us all of the remarkable impact one individual can make, both on and off the field.
