College football star Jeremiah Kelly, 18, found dead inside his home as devastated team mourns ‘outstanding’ athlete

A RISING football star has been found dead inside his home just months after starting his college career.

Jeremiah Kelly, 18, has been remembered as an “outstanding” athlete who made a serious impact on and off the field during his short term with the team.

Photo of a young man and a coach at a football field.
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Jeremiah Kelly unexpectedly died Tuesday morningCredit: x / jeremiahk407

Two Avon High School football players holding their awards.
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Kelly played for the Avon High School football team in Avon, OhioCredit: X / jeremiahk407

Jeremiah Kelly signing his letter of intent to play football for the University of Cincinnati, with family.
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Kelly was practicing with the University of Cincinnati during the spring semesterCredit: X / avoneagles
Kelly, who was an early enrollee for the University of Cincinnati, died in his sleep on Tuesday, his heartbroken family announced.

The school confirmed the tragedy as they asked the community for thoughts and prayers.

“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” said football head coach Scott Satterfield.

“In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room.

“My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.”

Kelly’s specific cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, but a GoFundMe started to raise money for the family said it was unexpected.

Kelly graduated from Avon High School in Avon, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, and was an early enrollee at the university.

He began training with the university’s football team during the spring season, hoping to play in the fall.

Before joining the college team, the rising star opened up about how football had changed his life for the better in a now-heartwrenching interview.

“When times got tough throughout the season, we didn’t ever turn our back on each other,” he told NBC affiliate WKYC.

“Our brotherhood really showed and [stayed through] those tough moments.

Kelly was named the Southwest Conference Lineman of the Year and earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors as a senior.

The Plain Dealer ranked him among Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 football prospects.

University of Cincinnati’s Director of Athletics John Cunningham described his death as a “heartbreaking loss.”

“All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead,” he said.

The UC football team also announced the athlete’s passing on Instagram.

“We are mourning the loss of @gobearcatsfb freshman Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning,” the team wrote.

“Our hearts are with the Kelly family as well as Jeremiah’s friends and teammates.”

‘LOVE FOREVER’

Underneath the post, dozens of people left their support and reminisced on their time with Kelly.

University of Cincinnati’s full statement

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is mourning the loss of freshman football student-athlete Jeremiah Kelly, who passed unexpectedly at his residence early Tuesday morning.

“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” said football head coach Scott Satterfield. “In the short time Jeremiah has spent with our team, he has made a real impact, both on the field and in our locker room. My prayers are with the Kelly family and those who had the pleasure of knowing Jeremiah.”

A native of Avon, Ohio, Kelly graduated from Avon High School, where he helped lead the Eagles to a 16-0 record and the school’s first state championship in 2024. He earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors and was named the SWC Lineman of the Year as a senior. The Plain Dealer ranked him among Northeast Ohio’s Top 25 prospects.

Kelly was an early enrollee who practiced with the football team this spring semester.

“We’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss today,” said Director of Athletics John Cunningham. “All of us at UC send our love and prayers to the Kelly family and we will do everything that we can to support them and our Bearcats student-athletes in the difficult days and weeks ahead.”

“Genuinely one of the best kids I’ve ever met, never without a smile on his face,” one high school alumn commented.

“Love u forever, Jer.”

The Big 12 conference also honored the 18-year-old star.

“The Big 12 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Cincinnati football student-athlete Jeremiah Kelly,” the conference wrote in a post on X.

“We extend our condolences to Jeremiah’s family and loved ones.

“Our thoughts are with the entire Cincinnati community.”