Cause of death revealed for UNLV football player Ben Christman

Ben Christman‘s cause of death has been revealed. The 21-year-old UNLV football player was determined to have died from cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy, according to the Clark County Office of the Cornoner/Medical Examiner. The cause of death was originally reported by TMZ.

Cardiac arrhythmia is known as an irregular heartbeat. Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens heart muscles. It was previously reported that Christman was experiencing chest pains at practice the day before his death.

Earlier this year, UNLV released a statement that an unnamed player died at their off-campus residence on Feb. 11. No further details were released at the time. The player was later identified as Christman.

Christman began his college career at Ohio State, where he was a part of the 2021-2022 squad that won the Rose Bowl against Utah, before transferring to Kentucky for two years. He was set to play for Dan Mullen and the UNLV Rebels this fall before his death. Mullen released a statement sharing his condolonces at the time.

“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing,” UNLV head coach Dan Mullen said. “Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates.

“Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”

His former head coach at Kentucky, Mark Stoops, shared similar well wishes to Christman’s family: “We are all at a loss right now hearing about the passing of Ben Christman,” Stoops’ tweet reads. “He was a player who came in every day and went to work. He was tough as nails on the field but off the field he was a gentle and kind soul. He was loved by all of us and our prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Christman was a highly-touted high school football player at Richfield (Ohio) Revere, where he was a four-star prospect. He was the No. 266 overall player from the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, which is a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

A memorial scholarship fund has been created in Christman’s honor by members of his family to help high school athletes.