Erik Elken, a Berwyn, Pennsylvania native and amazing athlete, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at an untimely age of 22, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
According to reports, an MRI in late January—initially ordered to evaluate a possible hip labrum tear—unexpectedly revealed a tumor in Erik’s femur and surrounding tissue while he was continuing both his studies and rugby career at the University of South Carolina.
After returning home to Pennsylvania for further evaluation, he underwent a series of tests, scans, biopsies, and DNA studies, which ultimately confirmed an extremely rare diagnosis: stage 4 NUT sarcoma.
Erik fought courageously through multiple surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy, but his condition worsened on Monday, November 17. Sadly, he succumbed to his battle with cancer the following day, taking his final breath on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the untimely death of Erik Elken has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.
Erik touched many lives with his courage and athletic skills, excelling in multiple sports.
Born on August 2, 2003, in Pennsylvania, Erik began his athletic career from a very young age and went on to become a multi-sports athlete at Conestoga High School.
Erik Elken was a member of the Conestoga High School Class of 2022, where he excelled in multiple positions on the boys’ varsity football team, including defensive end, guard, tackle, and tight end, wearing jersey #58.
Beyond football, Erik was also a dedicated rugby player, competing with the Conestoga High School rugby team as well as for the Philadelphia Whitemarsh Rugby Football Club.
In 2021, he represented his high school on the 7s rugby team and also played for Atlantis, showcasing his versatility and commitment across multiple sports.
Late Erik Elken Continued His Athletic Career at the University of South Carolina
Erik Elken, known to his teammates as “Big E,” was a remarkable individual whose impact extended far beyond the rugby field.
Standing 6’5” and weighing 243 pounds, Erik was a two-year starter for the University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby team, playing as a lock.
His athleticism and leadership helped propel his team to impressive achievements, including SEC championships in the Spring 7s season of 2023 and 2024, a berth in the D1-AA National Playoffs in 2022, and recognition as one of the top locks in collegiate rugby by Goff Rugby Report in 2023.
Off the field, Erik excelled as a junior at the Darla Moore School of Business, pursuing a degree in Accounting, and was set to graduate in 2026.
With a 3.817 GPA, he demonstrated the same dedication to academics as to athletics, earning the Scholastic All-American honor in 2024 for excelling in both the classroom and on the field.
His time management, problem-solving skills, and goal-oriented mindset were evident not only in his studies but also in his leadership roles, including serving as Vice Financial Chair and contributing to philanthropy and sponsorship initiatives for his team.
Erik also gained valuable professional experience as a Personal Lines Department Intern at USLI in Devon, Pennsylvania.
There, he trained incoming interns, led key projects, and streamlined workflows, all while earning industry certification. His professionalism, collaborative spirit, and drive to excel made him a trusted team member and mentor.
A native of Berwyn, Pennsylvania, Erik was known for his generosity and commitment to community outreach, participating in programs such as Rent-a-Rugger and Relay for Life. His dedication, talent, and character left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
The University of South Carolina organized a candlelight vigil on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 7:30 P.M. on the Horseshoe to honor their beloved student-athlete Eric Elken.
Furthermore, many of his loved ones recalled the memories of late Erik Elken on social media and extended their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
Several fundraisers have also been created to help Erik’s family during this difficult time.
Erik Elken is survived by his parents, Leslie Harvey Elken and Kyle Lee Elken, his elder sister, Kiersten Elken, uncles, aunts, cousins, and the entire family.
A memorial service for Erik Elken will be held on Friday, November 28, at 2 P.M. at Great Valley Presbyterian Church in Malvern, PA.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Erik Elken’s mother, Leslie Elken, has been an affiliate faculty member and chair of the leadership fellows scholarship program at Eastern University since 2013.
- Erik inherited his athletic genes from his mother, Leslie, who is a former JV Girls’ Lacrosse and Basketball coach at the Downingtown Area School District and a JV Swimming Coach at the Martins Dam Swim Club.
