Nate White, a 20-year-old former University of Wisconsin football player and Milwaukee Rufus King High School star, passed away on June 25, 2025, in his apartment in Brookings, South Dakota.
The football player had recently transferred to South Dakota State University, where he was a student-athlete playing as a running back.
His sudden demise has left his parents, siblings, family, friends, and teammates shattered.
Tragically, his passing occurred just one week after he had celebrated his 20th birthday on June 18.
Nate White Madison is survived by his parents, Chrystal White and Les White, his elder brother, Tyler, his sister, Samara White, and his brother, Jacoby White.
A day after his demise, his sister, Samara, broke the silence, sharing her grief and also appreciating the overwhelming love and support from the loved ones.
literally there’s nothing I can say forreal
Samara White
We are heart broken 💔
I am heart broken man my baby ….really man smh i just cant stomach the thought i am literally sick
We do appreciate the calls and texts I just can not talk right now ….. I have tagged our parents (they share the same page) and brothers above, they will respond when they can as well
Ik ppl stopped by and trying to see whats going on but Right now we are in SD and we will keep everyone posted once we get back
According to a police report, White’s roommate called 911 at around 6:44 a.m. on June 25, reporting that White was unresponsive and not breathing.
Emergency responders tried to revive him, but their efforts were unsuccessful. An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of his death, and the Brookings Police Department is still investigating.
On July 2, 2025, hundreds gathered at Rufus King High School for a balloon release vigil to honor White’s life. Blue, gold, and pink balloons were released into the sky as the crowd shouted, “We love you, Nate!”
Following the successful balloon release ceremony, Nate’s sister shared several pictures of the event, expressing her gratitude to everyone who showed up. She wrote:
We just want to say thank you to everyone who showed up for Nate today! The love was crazy 🙏🏾🤍
Samara White
But it was so amazing to see.
Nate White was a standout athlete at Rufus King High School in Milwaukee. As a senior, he rushed for 1,345 yards and scored 26 touchdowns, earning praise as one of Wisconsin’s top recruits in the Class of 2023.
He also played quarterback during his junior year, earning the Conference Offensive Player of the Year award after rushing for 1,163 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Thanks to his talent and hard work, he earned a spot on the Wisconsin Badgers football team, where he spent two seasons, first as a running back and later transitioning to wide receiver.
Although he didn’t see game action at Wisconsin, coaches and teammates admired his skill and spirit. He earned the nickname “Skinny Back” for his ability to dodge tacklers during practice.
In January 2025, White transferred to South Dakota State University, where he was expected to be the starting running back for the Jackrabbits in the upcoming season.
South Dakota State head coach Dan Jackson called White a beloved teammate who brought “hard work, determination, and a positive spirit” to the program.
The university’s president, Barry Dunn, also shared that teammates, coaches, and faculty loved White in his short time on campus.
Theo Carney, White’s running backs coach at Rufus King, spoke at the vigil and presented White’s parents with a football helmet signed by the team. Carney said White was like a son to him and that his death still felt unreal.
During this ordeal, we offer our sincere condolences to Nate White’s parents, siblings, friends, teammates, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Nate White!
