The Iowa State community is reeling after the sudden loss of Alex Ernst, a beloved football video production specialist, who died in a car accident on Sunday near Greeley, Kansas. Ernst, 3, of Ames, Iowa, had been a fixture in Cyclone Athletics for nearly two decades, starting as a student and later becoming a full-time staff member after earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State
Known for his unwavering dedication to the Cyclone football program, Ernst was responsible for filming practices and games, supporting coaches, and helping prepare the team for success. Colleagues and athletes described him as selfless, hardworking, and always ready with a smile. “Alex was an unsung hero who played an important role in our department’s success through his outstanding work in video operations,” said ISU Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard
The tragic accident claimed eight lives, including Ernst and several others, leaving a deep void in the Iowa State family and the wider sports community Tributes have poured in from coaches, players, and friends, all echoing the sentiment that Ernst’s kindness and commitment made a lasting impact on everyone he met
As Ames mourns, the legacy of Alex Ernst’s behind-the-scenes contributions to Iowa State football will not be forgotten
