The cause of death of Ben Christman, UNLV senior offensive lineman who passed away on February 11, 2025, has been revealed.
The former Kentucky Wildcats’ football star, Ben Christman, was found deceased in an off-campus apartment last week.
UNLV took to its official site to announce the death of their senior offensive lineman; they wrote,
“With great sadness UNLV can confirm the death of Ben Christman, a UNLV student-athlete and member of the football program.”
UNLV
The university added that it didn’t have other details and the Clark County Coroner’s Office would determine the cause of Ben’s death at a later time.
While initially, the University couldn’t determine the cause of Ben Chirstman’s death, his obituary revealed that the football star died of natural causes in his sleep.
The obituary stated,
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of Ben Paul Christman. Ben passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2025, from natural causes.”
Christman was 21 years old; he died the day before his 22nd birthday.
Moreover, Ben Christman, famously known as “Big Ben,” began his football journey from a very young age.
He showcased his exceptional skills playing for the Revere High School football team, where he helped his team several victories and won numerous honorable titles, including First-team all-district, the 2020 Suburban League American Conference co-Offesnive Player of the Year, and Offensive line MVP.
Likewise, Christman played football at Ohio State University for two years before transferring to Kentucky in 2023, where he appeared in 12 games with the Wildcats.
He was known not just for his exceptional football skills but also for his humble and kind nature.
He will always be remembered for his contributions to the community, his joyful spirit, and his kind heart.
Ben Christman Is Survived By His Parents, Brian Thomas And Karen Perry Christman, And Siblings
The former Revere High School star athlete, Ben Christman, was born Benjamin Paul Christman on February 12, 2003, to father Brian Thomas Christman and mother Karen Perry Christman in Copley, Arkon, Ohio.
Many of his loved ones are sending their heartfelt condolences to his parents and family in this difficult time.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his two younger brothers, Thomas and Brooks Christman.
Talking about his parents, Ben’s mother, Karen Perry Christman, is an interior designer at JK Design in Canton, Ohio. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from The Ohio State University.
While very little information about Ben’s mother is available, her social media is filled with pictures of her late son, Ben Christman.
Her last Facebook post of October 2020 displays the picture of the Christman family at Ben’s Senior night at Revere High School.
She wrote,
“Lucky Mama. Twentieth Anniversary and Ben’s Senior night. Love my family. Ben, so proud of you and so excited for your next adventures. Ohio State Buckeyes Football, you’re getting a good one. #thanksrevere”
Karen Perry Christman
Ben’s father, Brian Thomas Christman, has worked at Fastenal Company in Arkon, Ohio, for over 32 years.
He joined the company as the District Sales Manager in 1992 and currently holds the position of Director of Sales- GPO.
In addition to his job, Brian volunteered as the Team Commissioner, assistant coach, announcer, Videographer, and referee at Stow Youth Football & Basketball for over four years.
Brian was also the head coach, volunteer, and videographer at Revere Youth Basketball & Football for eight years.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Ohio Northern University in 1992.
While Brian is not active on social media, he often shares about Ben’s achievements on his LinkedIn profile.
He recently shared his son’s achievement, stating,
“Very proud of Ben Christman on achieving SEC Academic Honor Roll!, Tremendous work ethic & commitment to be able to perform at the highest levels both Academically & Athletically. Congratulations on another recognition. Great dedication to compete at the D1 football level & graduate in 4 years with a 3.5 GPA. Good luck the remainder of the season, next year in graduate school, and as a member of the Big Blue Wall in 2025.”
Ben Christman’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 3-7 pm at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 am on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Akron, Ohio.
Likewise, his family has requested all to make donations to The Ben Christman Memorial Scholarship Fund that will benefit graduating student-athletes instead of flowers, gifts, or food.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- While at Ohio State in the 2021-22 season, the late Ben Christman played against Indiana as a redshirt freshman in 2022.
- Ben graduated in December 20204 from the University of Kentucky with a degree in communication.
- His dream job was to be a football coach. Ben’s brother Thomas is also an athlete and plays football.
