Tragic Crisis Strikes Family of Former Ohio State Football Star—Unexpected Details Emerge

Every so often, sports throws us a curveball so sharp it cuts straight through the heart—literally. Ben Christman, a promising 21-year-old ex-Ohio State Buckeye who was gearing up to shine with the UNLV Rebels, passed away in his sleep last fall from an enlarged heart combined with an irregular heartbeat. It’s one of those tragedies that makes you wonder—how can something as relentless as youth and athleticism still be undercut by something invisible like cardiomyopathy? The heartbreak isn’t just in the loss, but the questions that linger: How many more athletes might be unknowingly carrying ticking time bombs? And how many EKGs slipped under the radar could’ve saved a life? As prayers flood social media and memories pour in for this young man’s family and friends, it’s a stark reminder that behind every helmet and highlight reel, there’s a fragility we often forget. May Ben find peace, and may this wake-up call prompt us to look deeper before it’s too late. LEARN MORE.

Prayers are pouring in for the family of an ex-Ohio State Buckeyes football player.

A cause of death has been confirmed for Ben Christman, the 21-year-old former Ohio State Buckeyes football player who passed away in his sleep last fall. Christman, who previously played football at Ohio State, had transferred into the UNLV Rebels program, ahead of the 2024 season.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that Christman died from an enlarged heart and an irregular heartbeat. He passed away in his sleep.

Prayers are pouring in for the family of Christman on social media this week.

“Cardiomyopathy kills so many athletes as it goes undiagnosed until there is a cardiac arrest. My daughter was diagnosed with HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) at 15 purely by accident and I know it saved her life. EKGs should be a part of every high school and college physical. It may be pricey, but the cost of NOT doing is far, far too high,” one fan wrote.

“That’s awful. Prayers to his friends and family,” one fan added.

“God Bless Ben’s family and friends. I pray they find some closer from this. May they all reunite in their new healthy bodies on the other side,” one fan added.

“Even more devastating that he complained of the chest pains the day before and they found nothing on the EKG. So sad for his friends and family. Just devastating for the young man,” one fan added.

“So sorry to hear this. And my condolences to his family and friends and Buckeye Nation,” one fan added.

Our thoughts are with Ben’s friends and family members during this extremely difficult time.

May the former Ohio State Buckeyes football player rest in peace.