Nijay Kelly, a young athlete who had tied with USA Basketball and Football, has passed away following a tragic accident in Philadelphia.
Kelly was also a wide receiver with experience in both indoor and arena-style professional football, known for his time with the Erie Express in the TPFL.
While with Erie, he contributed to a strong 11-2 season that ended with a league runner-up finish in 2024.
He played college football at West Virginia University, where he balanced athletics with his academic studies in theatre.
After college, he pursued football while also building a career in the skilled trades.
Over the years, he worked in several industrial and mechanical roles, including traveling millwright positions and machinist work.
In 2024, he briefly left Erie Express to join the Ozarks Lunkers in arena football, continuing his progression in the sport.
Soon after, he signed with the Alabama Beavers of the International Football Alliance.
Alongside football, he built a steady work history in industrial maintenance and mechanical services, most recently working as a mechanical millwright with Trillium Construction Services.
Football Community Is Mourning The Tragic Loss of Nijay Kelly
The sources confirmed that Nijay Kelly passed away in April 2026 following a tragic traffic collision in Philadelphia.
The reason behind the accident has not been revealed as the investigation is ongoing.
Michael Cottrell, a graduate of Morgantown High School, took to the official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news.
R.I.P Nijay Kelly. You were a good friend and a great teammate. I’ll never forget getting the opportunity to ball alongside.You will be greatly missed.
Michael Cottrell
Ki Sawyer of Winchester, Virginia, wrote,
I’m so fucking broken. I’m having the hardest time accepting this is real. It’s not right. It’s not fair. No matter where life took us, we were always there for each other.
Ki Sawyer
I’ll forever be grateful for the bond we had & the time we had together. You were truly one of one Nijay Kelly One of the kindest people, always smiling and being uplifting. You had such a special personality. I would give anything to hug you one more time. I love you, forever
Mike HollyWood, Erie Express head coach, also expressed his heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Nijay’s family.
BAD JAWN!!!
Mike HollyWood
Nijay Kelly always been sturdy since we put 100+ up on that West V team u was on! Always was willin to bid about that you pop ya sh** still cause u scored on us. I was sick but it wasnt easy stoppin the dawg in you!
I was jo when u told me u was coming to the Express to play with us it didn’t last that long cause u got offers to go ball on a higher level! It was a blessing to be apart of your journey! Our last convo was on the express sideline we was bidding about the city and how the Pub expanded since 04! We talked about our families and kids man you stood on all 10 dawg! Gonna miss you forreal!
P.I.P. 🕊️
Antonio Moore of Ahoskie, North Carolina, wrote,
A longtime friend has passed away. This wasn’t supposed to be your time. You had so much more life to give. I’m deeply saddened by this. Nobody deserves to go the way you did. Sending my condolences to the Kelly family. Nijay Kelly
Antonio Moore
William Barry of Medina, Ohio, wrote,
My brother forever. This picture was the first of many teams we would end up playing on together, the first of many times we’d cross the goal line together. From getting blown out as rookies to matching rings as vets.
William Barry
Other close ones and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Nijay’s family to stay strong during this hard time.
The funeral service has not been revealed by his family.
