The University of Cincinnati is mourning one of their own.
Jeremiah Kelly, a freshman offensive lineman, died unexpectedly at his home on the morning of April 22. He was 18.
“Jeremiah Kelly was an amazing kid and football player to the Avon High school community,” Ashley Stephens, a fellow Avon football mom, wrote on a GoFundMe, “soon to be 2025 Avon graduate and new to the Cincinnati Bearcat community.”
“Early Tuesday Morning, April 22,25, Jeremiah sadly passed away unexpectedly in his sleep,” she continued. “Due to the unexpectedness of this, I am trying to help the family in this awful hard time!”
The student athlete graduated from high school in his native Avon, Ohio, with a 16-0 record, per the Cincinnati Bears’ website, and his school’s first state championship in 2024. During his senior year, he also earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors as well as being named the SWC Lineman of the year.
And before long, Jeremiah found himself practicing with the University of Cincinnati football team as an early enrollee.
“The Bearcats football family is heartbroken by the sudden loss of this outstanding young man,” football head coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement. “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.”
And though the time he spent with the team was short, the teenager left a lasting legacy on the community at large.
“We’ve suffered a heartbreaking loss today,” Director of Athletics John Cunningham said. “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.”
Since the 18-year-old’s tragic death, the Bearcats community banded together to show their support for his family and pay tribute to the young athlete.
“The Kelly family would thank you all for the wonderful support you all have shown,” Stephens wrote in an update on the GoFundMe. “As this time may be hard, Jeremiah’s mom asked for all of you to keep his memory alive and be kind and love one another! Again thank you all for the amazing love you all have shown!”
