Reed Ryan, a defensive lineman for the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) football team, died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. He was 22 years old.
A promising player and student
Ryan transferred to UMD from North Dakota State University (NDSU) for his senior season. He played in eight games for the Bulldogs, recording eight tackles and one sack. He was also named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) honor roll for his academic excellence.
Ryan was a native of Waunakee, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Waunakee High School in 2019. He was a three-year letter winner and a two-time all-conference selection in football. He also competed in track and field, earning a state championship in the shot put.
Ryan was majoring in mechanical engineering at UMD and had plans to pursue a career in the field after graduation. He was described by his coaches and teammates as a hard-working, intelligent, and respectful young man who had a bright future ahead of him.
A tragic incident
According to his obituary, Ryan collapsed during a workout session with his teammates on Tuesday morning. He was immediately given CPR by the UMD training staff and was taken to St. Mary’s-Duluth hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The cause of his cardiac arrest is still unknown, and an autopsy is pending. His family and friends are devastated by his sudden and unexpected passing.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Scott and Lisa Ryan, his brother, Cole Ryan, his grandparents, and many other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 1, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cress Funeral Home in Waunakee. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee.
A tribute from the football community
The UMD and NDSU football teams expressed their condolences and support for Ryan’s family and friends on social media. They also honored his memory by wearing his jersey number, 97, on their helmets during their games on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
UMD head coach Curt Wiese said that Ryan was a valued member of the Bulldog family and that his loss was felt by everyone in the program. He said that Ryan was a leader on and off the field and that he will be greatly missed.
NDSU head coach Matt Entz said that Ryan was a talented and dedicated player who contributed to the Bison’s success. He said that Ryan was a good friend and teammate who always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face.
The MVFC also issued a statement of sympathy and solidarity for Ryan’s family and the UMD and NDSU football teams. The conference said that Ryan was a remarkable student-athlete who represented the MVFC with pride and excellence.
