Southern Nazarene safety Tyler Ulrich dies after game injury

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Southern Nazarene University sophomore safety Tyler Ulrich, 21, died less than a week after being injured during the team’s game at Ouachita Baptist.

The injury was described as a "traumatic injury" and the game was stopped for 45 minutes while he received medical attention, according to the Fort Worth Star‑Telegram.

This loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our hearts are with his family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer during this incredibly difficult time.

Ulrich’s father, Mark, posted to Facebook that his son suffered a head injury in the game and wrote, "we truly need a miracle."

Ulrich’s own Facebook post on Thursday afternoon expressed gratitude for the support and noted, "the Lord called Tyler this morning at 11:13 a.m."

A GoFundMe for the Ulrich family had nearly $14,000 as of Thursday afternoon.

Ulrich had appeared in all six of SNU’s games to date and was third on the team with 39 tackles. The Crimson Storm are 1‑5 ahead of their scheduled game against Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday.