Cause of death revealed for UNLV football player Ben Christman nearly 3 months after his death

The 21-year-old offensive lineman was found unresponsive in his off-campus apartment in February. Officials now confirm the cause of death was cardiac-related.College football player Ben Christman, a 21-year-old offensive lineman who transferred to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) just a month before his passing, died from cardiac arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy, according to a report released by the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner on Thursday.The update comes nearly three months after Christman was found deceased in his off-campus apartment on the morning of Tuesday, February 11, as first reported by PEOPLE and later confirmed by TMZ Sports. The medical examiner told TMZ Sports that Christman’s cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat, alongside cardiomyopathy, a condition that affects the heart muscle. The Cleveland Clinic describes arrhythmia as an abnormal heart rhythm that can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac events.According to a police report obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Christman had experienced chest pains during a football practice the day before he died. The report stated that Christman underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) at UNLV’s athletic facilities. The team’s “cardio doctor” reviewed the ECG results, which appeared normal at the time, per the report.Fox News also cited the Clark County Coroner's Office announcement and the previous police report, reiterating that Christman had reported chest pain before being found unresponsive and that an EKG had been administered by the team.Christman was found the following morning, just one day before his 22nd birthday.UNLV confirmed the death in a statement issued on February 12 via the university athletics website, writing:“His family has been notified, and the athletic department has informed the team. Mental health and related support services are being offered to those in need.”UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield shared a heartfelt message following Christman’s death, stating:“There is little that can be said to lessen the pain of suddenly losing a member of our university family at such a young age, and my heart breaks for all who knew and loved him.On behalf of UNLV, our sincere condolences are with Ben’s family, friends, loved ones and teammates during this very difficult time.”Head coach Dan Mullen also released a public tribute through UNLV, saying:“Our team’s heart is broken to hear of Ben’s passing.Since the day Ben set foot on our campus a month ago, he made the Rebels a better program. Ben was an easy choice for our Leadership Committee as he had earned the immediate respect, admiration and friendship of all his teammates.Our prayers go out to his family and all who knew him. Ben made the world a better place and he will be missed.”Ben Christman began his college football career at Ohio State University in 2021 as an offensive lineman. He redshirted his first year and appeared in one game during the 2022 season. He later transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he missed the entire 2023 season due to a knee injury.In 2024, he returned to the field, participating in all 12 games on special teams, as reported by Yahoo Sports. In December 2024, Christman transferred to UNLV, aiming to restart his career and play for the Rebels in the 2025 season.A native of Akron, Ohio, Christman attended Revere High School and was regarded as a four-star recruit coming out of high school. He was considered a promising talent with a bright future in collegiate football.Ben Christman’s sudden death has left a profound impact across the college football community. As UNLV and his previous programs continue to mourn, the release of the official cause of death has brought clarity, though not comfort, to many still grieving the loss of a young life and career cut tragically short.